US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the group's disarmament and the return of the remains of the final Israeli captive as the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire begins. In a social media post on Thursday, Trump warned of severe consequences if Hamas fails to comply, stating they could do so 'the easy way, or the hard way.'
The call for demilitarisation is a key element of the second phase, alongside Israeli troop withdrawal and increased humanitarian aid. However, no agreement has been reached on disarmament, and it remains unclear how such an objective could be enforced. Trump has suggested a buy-back programme for smaller weapons, with Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar backing the plan.
Trump announced he will chair a 'board of peace' to govern Gaza, overseeing reconstruction and transition. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to join an executive board alongside Trump's advisers. A 15-member Palestinian committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, has been formed to supervise civil administration.
At least 451 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect in October. The UN has described Gaza's destruction as a 'human-made abyss,' with reconstruction costs estimated at over $70 billion. Recent storms have compounded the crisis, causing deaths and flooding in displacement camps.
