Trump Warns of "Violent Disarmament" Over Hamas Refusal to Disarm
Urges Return of Deceased Hostages
US President Donald Trump warned that if the Palestinian militant group Hamas does not disarm itself, the United States will forcibly disarm them.
US President Donald Trump is speaking during a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington DC on the 14th (local time). Photo by AFP News Agency
President Trump made these remarks in response to questions from reporters during a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei at the White House on the 14th (local time).
President Trump stated, "If they do not disarm, we will do it for them," adding, "It will not take long, and it will probably be violent." He further commented, "They will realize that this is not a game."
However, President Trump avoided providing specific details on how the United States would carry out this action. When asked about the timeline, he only replied that it would be within a "reasonable period of time."
The Washington Post pointed out that President Trump's warning highlights one of the many challenges that Israel and Hamas face as they enter the second phase of ceasefire negotiations.
After Israel and Hamas agreed to the Gaza Strip ceasefire proposal put forward by President Trump, all 20 surviving Israeli hostages who had been abducted and held in Gaza by Hamas were released, and Israel also released more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
However, during the second phase of the ceasefire agreement-which includes the disarmament of Hamas, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the establishment of a Palestinian civilian government-Hamas maintains its position that it cannot accept disarmament or being excluded from governing the Gaza Strip.
President Trump wrote on his own social networking service, Truth Social, "Although a great burden has been lifted with the return of the surviving hostages, the mission is not yet complete," and added, "We have not received the bodies as promised."
Under the agreement, Hamas was supposed to return the bodies of 28 hostages, but so far, only four have been handed over. President Trump urged that "the second phase must begin immediately," calling for the prompt return of the bodies and the disarmament of Hamas.
President Trump also noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to visit the White House on the 17th, stating, "He wants weapons. What would be good? Probably Tomahawk (cruise missiles)."
President Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, "Vladimir and I used to have a very good relationship, but I am very disappointed," and added, "I do not know why he continues this (Ukraine) war."
President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Spain's low level of defense spending. He said that Spain is the "only country" among NATO member states that has not agreed to raise its defense budget to 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP), stating, "I am very dissatisfied with Spain." He further warned, "In fact, I was considering imposing trade sanctions through tariffs because of what they have done. I might actually do that."
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