Trump pushes for disarmament of Hamas as second stage of Gaza ceasefire begins

US president also calls for return of final Israeli captive's remains from group, which has refused to give up weapons

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, even as key elements of the first phase remain unfulfilled.

In a late-night post on social media on Thursday, Trump vowed to push for what he described as the comprehensive" demilitarisation of Hamas, 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.