ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Hamasduring a high-profile speech at the launch of his Board of Peaceinitiative, declaring that the Palestinian militant group must fully disarmas part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement or face its demise. Speaking at theWorld Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump emphasized that failureto surrender weapons would mark the “end” of Hamas, underscoring a firmcommitment to demilitarise the enclave entirely. This statement comes amidthe transition to Phase Two of a US-brokered 20-point peace plan, whichbuilds on the initial ceasefire phase implemented in late 2025.
The president’s remarks highlighted the progress achieved under Phase One,where the ceasefire has been painstakingly maintained despite occasionalviolations. Record levels of humanitarian aid have flooded into Gaza,alleviating earlier reports of widespread starvation and severe shortagesthat dominated global headlines during the height of the conflict. Trumppointed out that such dire narratives have largely disappeared, creditingthe surge in assistance for improving conditions on the ground anddemonstrating tangible results from diplomatic efforts.
A key accomplishment of the first phase involves the release of captivesand remains. All 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas were freed inexchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.Additionally, the bodies of 27 out of 28 deceased Israeli captives havebeen returned, with efforts continuing to locate the final remains believedburied under rubble from previous bombardments. These exchanges,facilitated through mediators including Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, representa significant humanitarian breakthrough and a step toward de-escalation.
Trump affirmed a resolute US position on Gaza’s future, stating that theterritory must be demilitarised, properly governed under a technocraticadministration, and beautifully rebuilt. He described this vision as apathway to transform Gaza from a zone of conflict into a model of recoveryand prosperity. The president expressed confidence that success in Gazacould pave the way for broader regional stability, potentially extendingpeace efforts across the Middle East and beyond.
Central to this strategy is the newly established Board of Peace, chairedby Trump himself, which held its founding ceremony in Davos. The board isintended to provide strategic oversight for reconstruction, mobiliseinternational resources, and ensure accountability during Gaza’stransition. Trump highlighted its potential collaboration with the UnitedNations, describing the partnership as “very, very unique for the world”and suggesting it could address global challenges effectively once fullyoperationalised.
The disarmament demand forms a cornerstone of Phase Two, which shifts focusfrom immediate ceasefire to long-term demilitarisation, governance reforms,and rebuilding. Hamas is expected to decommission its weapons and dismantletunnel networks under international supervision, including monitors andpossible buy-back programmes for arms. Trump warned that non-compliancewould invite severe consequences, reiterating in various statements thatHamas could be “blown away” if it fails to honour commitments.
Despite these advances, challenges persist in the fragile ceasefireenvironment. Reports indicate occasional Israeli violations, though theoverall halt in major hostilities has held. Humanitarian conditions in Gazaremain dire according to UN assessments, necessitating sustainedunrestricted aid flows, infrastructure rehabilitation including water,electricity, and hospitals, as well as rubble clearance to enable returnsand reconstruction. The transitional National Committee for theAdministration of Gaza is being positioned to manage civilian affairsduring this period.
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Trump’s address framed these developments as the first steps toward abrighter future for the Middle East, aiming to end decades of suffering,halt generational cycles of hatred and bloodshed, and forge an everlastingpeace. He portrayed the moment as historic, insisting that the region andthe world stand at an incredible opportunity—not merely a chance, but aninevitability—for comprehensive resolution. This optimism is tied to theBoard of Peace’s broader mandate, which some observers view cautiously aspotentially rivaling UN functions.
The initiative has drawn mixed reactions internationally, with some alliesexpressing reservations over its expanded scope and funding model requiringsubstantial contributions for permanent seats. Nevertheless, Trump remainssteadfast, viewing Gaza’s successful demilitarisation and rebuilding as afoundation for wider applications. As Phase Two unfolds, the coming weekswill be critical in determining Hamas’s compliance and the plan’s viability.
Source:https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2026/01/22/trump-vows-gaza-will-be-demilitarized-and-rebuilt-at-board-of-peace-ceremony-in-davos-
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