The US president has demanded that the militant group lay down arms
US President Donald Trump has warned Hamas of severe consequences if the Palestinian militant group doesn’t disarm within “a short period of time.” Trump made the remarks at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in early October under Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which envisions Hamas disarming and Israel pulling out of Gaza.
”They’re going to be given a very short period of time to disarm and we’ll see how that works out,” Trump said. “If they don’t disarm, as they agreed to… then there’ll be hell to pay for them,” he added.
Asked what the consequences would be for Hamas, Trump said “it would be horrible for them,” and suggested that nations in the Middle East and beyond that supported the ceasefire would “wipe out” the militant group.
Asked about whether Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza, Trump said it was “a separate subject” and claimed Israel “has lived up to the plan 100%.”
Hamas has maintained that it has a right to armed resistance, while saying it was ready to discuss “freezing or storing or laying down” arms during the truce.
On Monday, Hamas’ armed wing said the group remained committed to the ceasefire despite “repeated Israeli violations.” It reiterated, however, that it would not surrender its weapons “as long as the occupation remains.”
Hamas’ disarmament is a prerequisite for Phase Two of the peace plan, which would see a new governance entity installed in Gaza. Phase One, which includes the ceasefire, return of hostages, and humanitarian aid, is largely in effect.
Israel launched its military campaign in the Palestinian enclave in response to a surprise attack by Hamas in October 2023, which killed 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage. The ensuing Israeli operations have killed more than 70,000 Palestinians, according to the health authorities in Gaza.
