A new ultimatum from President Trump demands Hamas disarm or face dire consequences, challenging peace efforts in the Middle East.
Story Highlights
- President Trump delivered a stern warning to Hamas at the World Economic Forum.
- Hamas must disarm as part of the Gaza peace plan or face military action.
- Trump’s ultimatum is part of a broader peace initiative involving 59 nations.
- Hamas has historically resisted demands for unilateral disarmament.
Trump’s Firm Stance on Hamas Disarmament
On January 22, 2026, President Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, emphatically demanding the disarmament of Hamas. His ultimatum is a key component of his 20-point Gaza peace plan aimed at resolving long-standing conflicts in the region. Trump has made it clear that failure to comply will result in military action, emphasizing the urgency with a 2-3 week timeline for compliance assessment.
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The Framework for Peace
The Gaza peace plan, which originated in October 2025, has received endorsement from the United Nations Security Council via Resolution 2803. Building on his earlier Middle East peace initiatives, Trump’s plan now enters Phase 2, which focuses on demilitarization and governance reconstruction. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced this phase’s launch on January 14, 2026, with an emphasis on transitioning from ceasefire to structured governance.
The plan involves broad international participation, with 59 countries supporting the initiative. Despite this global backing, critical gaps remain, such as the absence of a confirmed ceasefire and lack of clarity on the rules of engagement for the International Stabilization Force, which is meant to enforce the peace terms.
Challenges and Criticisms
While Trump’s ultimatum is clear, it faces significant hurdles. Hamas has consistently resisted unilateral disarmament, demanding recognition of Palestinian statehood as a precondition. Critics, including Responsible Statecraft, argue that expecting unilateral disarmament is unrealistic given the ongoing conflict and casualties in Gaza over the past three years. Moreover, the absence of Palestinian representation in the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza raises questions about the legitimacy of governance under the new plan.
On Gaza Trump, at Board of Peace, says Hamas must disarm or it will be the end of them https://t.co/KegHyM1deq
— AVSEC Pro (@avsec_pro) January 22, 2026
As the situation develops, the international community closely watches to see if Trump’s ultimatum will lead to genuine progress or exacerbate tensions. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether peace can be achieved through the current framework or if alternative strategies will be necessary.
Sources:
Jewish Insider – Trump Issues Stark Warning to Hamas at Davos
White House Official Statement on Comprehensive Gaza Plan
Responsible Statecraft – Analysis of Trump’s Board of Peace
Draft Charter of the Board of Peace
