US President Donald Trump has issued a firm warning to Hamas, calling on the Palestinian militant group to move quickly toward full disarmament. Speaking on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized that disarmament is a non-negotiable part of his plan for postwar Gaza, underlining the urgency and importance of immediate action.
“The commitment to Full and Immediate Demilitarisation must be upheld,” Trump wrote, ahead of a February 19 meeting of his so-called “Board of Peace” in Washington, which aims to oversee reconstruction efforts in Gaza and ensure lasting stability.
$5 Billion Pledged for Gaza Reconstruction
Trump highlighted that members of the Board of Peace have pledged $5 billion to support Gaza’s rebuilding after the devastating conflict sparked by Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023. He stressed that the board will also provide thousands of personnel to the International Stabilisation Force and local police to maintain peace and security in the region.
Although originally set up to rebuild Gaza, Trump said the Board of Peace could play a much broader role internationally. “The Board of Peace has unlimited potential,” he added.
Ceasefire Plan and Disarmament
Disarmament is the second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire plan, initially endorsed by the United Nations in November. Under this plan, Israeli forces would gradually withdraw from Gaza while Hamas hands over its weapons to a future Palestinian governing authority.
Hamas has repeatedly called disarmament a red line, though it has hinted at a willingness to consider handing over its arsenal under certain conditions. Both sides, however, continue to accuse each other of violating the ceasefire almost daily.
International Participation and Concerns
The upcoming Board of Peace meeting in Washington will formalize pledges and commitments from member countries. Nations were asked to pay $1 billion for permanent membership, while invitations extended to figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin have drawn criticism from US allies. France and Britain, among others, have expressed doubts about the board’s scope and effectiveness.
Trump said the board will work closely with the United Nations, aiming to establish what he calls “the most consequential International Body in History.”
A Strong Message
By telling Hamas to “Disarm Now or Else,” Trump has made it clear that the success of the ceasefire and reconstruction depends on the militant group’s cooperation. With $5 billion in pledges and international support for security forces, the US is signaling that it is ready to enforce the plan while offering the Palestinians a path to stability, if Hamas complies.
