US President Donald Trump expressed his hopes of advancing to phase two of the Gaza ceasefire plan “very quickly” during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida on Monday. Trump emphasized that progress depends on Hamas fully disarming, warning that failure to do so would mean “hell to pay” for the militant group.

The meeting highlighted ongoing regional tensions, with Trump also signaling that the United States could support further military action against Iran if it resumes developing ballistic missiles or nuclear weapons.

Trump: Hamas Must Disarm for Ceasefire Progress

Trump reiterated that the Gaza peace plan, which came into effect in October, hinges on Hamas disarming. Under the plan’s second phase, a technocratic government would be installed in Gaza, Hamas would relinquish its weapons, Israeli troops would withdraw, and reconstruction efforts could begin.

“As quickly as we can move to phase two, there has to be disarmament,” Trump said. “If Hamas doesn’t disarm as agreed, there will be hell to pay for them. They have to disarm in a fairly short period of time.”

Trump also expressed optimism that Gaza reconstruction could start “pretty soon” once security conditions are met.

Critics have raised concerns that Netanyahu could delay aspects of the plan, particularly regarding a political future for Palestinians, while pushing Hamas to disarm before Israeli troop withdrawal. Hamas officials have insisted that disarmament must occur alongside steps toward an independent Palestinian state.

Ceasefire Casualties and Security Challenges

Since the ceasefire began, at least 414 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health authorities. Israel maintains it has only responded to violations of the ceasefire and blames Hamas for the deaths of three Israeli soldiers during the same period.

Trump stressed that his main concern is with parties failing to comply with ceasefire obligations, adding,

“I’m not concerned about anything that Israel’s doing; I’m concerned about what other people are doing or maybe aren’t doing.”

Trump Warns Iran Against Nuclear Weapons Development

During the press briefing, Trump warned that the US could launch further strikes if Iran was rebuilding nuclear facilities at “possibly different sites” than those targeted in previous air and missile strikes.

“I hope they’re not trying to build up again, because if they are, we’re going to have no choice but to eradicate that buildup,” he said.

Iran responded by denouncing the US claims as a “psychological operation” and warned that any renewed aggression would lead to “harsher consequences” for Israel.

Regional Tensions Beyond Gaza

Trump and Netanyahu also discussed broader Middle East security issues, including tensions in Syria and with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Netanyahu expressed a desire for peaceful borders with Syria, while Trump commented on Syria’s new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

“I hope he [Netanyahu] is going to get along with Syria because the new president is working very hard to do a good job,” Trump said. “He really is. I know he’s a tough cookie. You’re not going to get a choir boy to lead Syria.”

In June, Trump signed an executive order lifting US sanctions against Syria, further signalling a potential shift in US policy towards the region.