Last Monday at Mar-a-Lago ✨, U.S. President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fast-track the second phase of the Gaza peace plan—and deliver a blunt message to Iran.
Trump told reporters disarming Hamas is non-negotiable 🕊️. "We’ll move as quickly as we can, but there has to be disarmament," he said. Asked about rebuilding Gaza, he added, "It will begin pretty soon."
Phase two of the plan lays out these steps:
- Full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza
- Hamas disarmament
- Reconstruction efforts kick-off
- Formation of a temporary governing council
The humanitarian situation remains dire. Gaza health authorities report over 71,266 people killed and 171,219 injured since October 2023. Since the latest ceasefire on October 10, 2025, 414 Palestinians have been killed and 1,142 wounded.
Firm Warning to Iran 🚨
Trump warned that if Iran attempts to rearm, the U.S. "will knock the hell out of them." He suggested pursuing a diplomatic deal would be a smarter move for Tehran.
Netanyahu has been raising alarms about Iran’s expanding long-range rocket program, arguing it poses threats that could require swift action. Iran insists its program is strictly defensive and vital for safeguarding its sovereignty.
In mid-June 2025, Israel carried out surprise air strikes on several Iranian nuclear and military sites, resulting in casualties among commanders, scientists and civilians. A week later, on June 22, the U.S. struck Iran’s Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan nuclear facilities ⚔️.
Monday’s talks underscored how progress on Gaza and countering Iran’s influence are intertwined in the U.S. regional strategy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
