President Donald Trump has voiced optimism regarding the advancement to phase two of the Gaza peace plan, stating he hopes for a swift resolution. His comments came during a press conference following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida.
Trump's 20-point peace plan hinges on the disarmament of Hamas, a condition he reiterated during the meeting. He warned that if Hamas does not meet this requirement promptly, there would be hell to pay for the group.
Reflecting on the current situation, Trump noted that Israel has adhered to the plan despite ongoing military actions in Gaza, where recent violence has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 400 Palestinians since the ceasefire was instituted.
Furthermore, Trump discussed potential military actions against Iran, emphasizing that the U.S. would respond decisively if evidence emerged of Iran's attempts to develop nuclear weapons. The Iranian leadership, in a pointed response, warned that any aggression would face swift retaliation.
As the dialogue evolves, critics are raising concerns over the pace of the peace process, suggesting that Netanyahu may seek to leverage the situation to compel Hamas to disarm before agreeing to troop withdrawals.
While the plan's implementation began in October, Trump expressed confidence that Gaza's reconstruction could begin soon, contingent upon the successful execution of disarmament and political stabilization efforts.
The complexities of the peace plan and regional tensions, including relations with Syria and Hezbollah, were also focal points of the Trump-Netanyahu discussions, reflecting the broader geopolitical implications of the Gaza conflict.
