Trump Says Hamas Has Short Time to Disarm or ‘There’ll Be Hell to Pay
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Trump Issues Ultimatum too Hamas: Disarm or Face Consequences
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President Donald Trump, following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, delivered a stark warning to Hamas, demanding immediate disarmament or threatening severe repercussions. The statement comes as discussions progress regarding the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire.
Published: November 27, 2023
The Ultimatum and Context
During a press conference in Florida on Monday, President Trump stated that Hamas has a “very short period” to fully disarm. He emphasized that failure to comply with this demand would result in dire consequences, stating, ”there’ll be hell to pay for them.” This ultimatum follows a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, their sixth this year, focused on the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.
The demand for disarmament stems from the initial ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on October 10, 2023, ending a period of intense fighting.That first phase included a suspension of hostilities, a partial Israeli military withdrawal, and the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.The current pressure centers on fulfilling the remaining commitments outlined in Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
The Two-Phase Ceasefire Plan
The proposed second phase of the ceasefire, as envisioned in Trump’s peace plan, includes a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a palestinian committee to temporarily govern the territory. This plan aims to transition Gaza towards a more stable governance structure, but hinges on Hamas relinquishing its military capabilities.
While Trump expressed optimism about the reconstruction of Gaza, he offered no specific timeline or details regarding funding or responsibility.The enclave has suffered extensive damage during over two years of conflict, with the United Nations estimating that over 80% of its buildings have been destroyed. Rebuilding Gaza represents a meaningful humanitarian and logistical challenge.
West Bank Disagreements and Future Negotiations
Reporters questioned Trump about Israel’s actions in the occupied West Bank and the escalating violence perpetrated by settlers. Trump acknowledged disagreements with Netanyahu on the issue, stating, “We don’t agree on the West Bank 100% but we’ll come to a conclusion on the West Bank.” He expressed confidence that netanyahu “will do the right thing,” though he provided no specifics about the nature of their disagreements or potential resolutions.
this statement aligns with Trump’s previous position in September, where he explicitly stated he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank, declaring, “It’s not going to happen.” The West Bank remains a critical point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and its future status is a key element of any lasting peace agreement.