In a decisive meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a stern warning to Hamas, emphasizing that the militant group would face severe repercussions if it fails to disarm promptly. The high-level discussions centered on the implementation of the Gaza peace plan, which entered its initial phase in October.
President Trump affirmed that Israel has fully complied with the agreement’s provisions, despite ongoing military operations in Gaza that have resulted in significant casualties. The Hamas-run health ministry reports at least 414 Palestinian fatalities since the ceasefire began, while Israel maintains its actions constitute responses to ceasefire violations.
The American leader outlined the critical sequencing of the peace plan’s second phase, which necessitates Hamas’s complete disarmament before establishing a technocratic government in Gaza and initiating reconstruction efforts. Trump expressed optimism about commencing reconstruction shortly but insisted disarmament must occur within a constrained timeframe.
The bilateral talks expanded to address regional security concerns, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump cautioned that the United States would not hesitate to launch additional strikes if evidence emerges of Iran rebuilding its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs at alternative facilities. This warning follows June’s extensive U.S. air and missile strikes that targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
Iranian officials dismissed these allegations as psychological warfare, asserting their preparedness to defend against renewed aggression and warning of escalated consequences for Israel. The discussions also covered regional dynamics involving Syria and Hezbollah, with Trump expressing hope for improved Israeli-Syrian relations under President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s leadership.
Analysts note the complex challenges facing the peace process, including Netanyahu’s alleged stalling tactics and Hamas’s insistence that disarmament must coincide with progress toward Palestinian statehood. The meeting underscored the delicate balance between diplomatic negotiations and military readiness in the volatile Middle East region.