Netanyahu warns Hamas must disarm or “All hell breaks loose”.

“We agreed to give peace a chance,” Netanyahu said Tuesday, a day after former U.S. President Donald Trump visited Tel Aviv to celebrate the first phase of his 20-point Gaza peace plan, declaring that “the war is over.”

Netanyahu: ‘Hamas must give up its arms’

In an exclusive interview with CBS Mornings co-host Tony Dokoupil, Netanyahu said the next step toward peace is complete demilitarization of Gaza.

“First, Hamas has to give up its arms,” Netanyahu said. “Second, you want to make sure there are no weapons factories or smuggling routes inside Gaza. That’s demilitarization.”

Hamas, however, has rejected the disarmament demand. Trump warned that if Hamas refuses, “we will disarm them quickly and perhaps violently.”

Netanyahu echoed Trump’s words, paraphrasing them as, “all hell breaks loose,” before adding, “I hope it doesn’t. I hope we can do this peacefully. We’re certainly ready to do so.”

Peace deal and hostage exchange

The Trump-brokered deal secured the release of all 20 remaining living Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas also returned the remains of eight Israeli hostages, though 20 bodies are still unaccounted for.

The exchange marks a crucial phase in ending the two-year Gaza war and establishing long-term regional stability. The agreement includes Israeli withdrawal from parts of Gaza and immediate humanitarian aid to Palestinians facing famine.

Unresolved issues

Despite progress, major concerns remain, including Gaza’s governance, Palestinian statehood, and Hamas’ future role. Trump’s plan has yet to fully resolve these issues.

Netanyahu pointed to his past diplomatic success with the Abraham Accords as proof of Israel’s willingness to build peace with Arab nations.

“We have an opportunity to broaden that peace,” Netanyahu said. “It would be the greatest gift we can bring to the people of Israel, the region, and the world.”