Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United States President Donald Trump have declared that the next stage in Gaza, following the return of the final slain hostage, will focus on disarming Hamas rather than reconstruction. Both leaders compared the challenge of demilitarizing Gaza to the previously unlikely return of all hostages, urging faith in the process despite widespread skepticism about Hamas's willingness to give up its weapons. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's determination to advance this phase, warning it would happen 'the easy way or the hard way.'

The disarmament issue comes to the forefront as the first phase of the ceasefire concludes, with the Rafah Border Crossing set to reopen and new governing bodies being established for postwar Gaza. Trump expressed confidence that Hamas would eventually disarm, linking reconstruction efforts to this outcome, while international mediators continue to press for a gradual handover of weapons. However, Hamas has so far resisted these demands, maintaining its commitment to retain its arms.