Trump threatens Hamas as second stage of Gaza ceasefire begins

Donald Trump has issued a fresh ultimatum to Hamas, adding to calls for the group's disarmament as the second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire with Israel begins.

- Lorenzo Tondo

In a late-night post on social media on Thursday, the US president vowed to push for what he described as "comprehensive" demilitarisation, warning of severe consequences should the group refuse to comply.

He also demanded the return of the remains of the final Israeli captive still believed to be held by the group, sharpening tensions at a fragile moment in the truce process.

"Hamas must immediately honour its commitments, including the return of the final body to Israel, and proceed without delay to full demilitarisation," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "They can do this the easy way, or the hard way."

No agreement has yet been reached on the disarmament of Hamas, which remains one of the most contentious elements of the second phase of the ceasefire, alongside the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces and the easing of restrictions to allow significantly more aid into Gaza.