Trump: “Hamas Must Disarm — If It Doesn’t, We Will Do It” — Announces Second Phase of Gaza Ceasefire Plan

U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that the Palestinian resistance group Hamas “must disarm,” warning that if it fails to do so, the United States “will make it happen,” an operation he said could be violent. The statement was made during remarks in Washington as part of the administration’s ongoing engagement with the Gaza ceasefire process.

According to international news agencies, President Trump claimed that Hamas has shown a willingness to disarm. He further announced the launch of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, emphasizing that while progress has been made, “the work is not yet complete.”

“All 20 Israeli hostages have been returned,” Trump said, “but the bodies of those killed have not yet been delivered as promised.”

Reports indicate that Hamas has handed over the bodies of four additional hostages to Israel, bringing the total number of returned remains to eight, with four more expected later today.

The developments highlight both the fragility and complexity of the ceasefire process. Trump’s remarks underscore Washington’s increasing pressure on Hamas to lay down arms, as regional actors continue to navigate a delicate balance between humanitarian efforts and political demands.

International observers say the start of the ceasefire’s second phase and Washington’s insistence on Hamas’s disarmament could have long-term implications for regional stability and peace negotiations.