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Progress and obstacles in Gaza ceasefire plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the second phase of a U.S.-brokered plan to end the Gaza war is approaching, though critical issues-particularly Hamas's disarmament-remain unresolved. The plan, initially proposed under former U.S. President Donald Trump, envisions a phased Israeli troop withdrawal, the establishment of a transitional authority, and the deployment of an international security force.
Disarmament deadlock
Netanyahu emphasized that Hamas must relinquish its weapons for the plan to advance, though he expressed skepticism about the ability of a multinational force to enforce disarmament. Speaking to Israeli diplomats, he questioned whether foreign troops would be willing to take on the task, stating, "It can be done the easy way, it can be done the hard way. But eventually it will be done."
A senior Hamas official, Bassem Naim, told the Associated Press that the group was open to discussions about "freezing or storing" its weapons to prevent further escalation. However, Hamas has historically refused to disarm without guarantees of an independent Palestinian state.
Hostage recovery efforts
Efforts to recover the remains of Israeli police officer Sergeant Ran Gvili, killed in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks, are underway in Gaza City's Zeitoun area. A Red Cross team and members of Hamas's armed wing are conducting searches. Netanyahu vowed to retrieve Gvili's body, stating, "We'll get him out."
Under the initial ceasefire agreement, Israel and Hamas exchanged living hostages and the remains of deceased captives. Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees in return for 20 living hostages, while the bodies of 28 deceased hostages were repatriated in exchange for the remains of 15 Palestinians per hostage.
Ceasefire violations and humanitarian concerns
Two months into the ceasefire, both sides continue to accuse each other of daily violations. Israeli forces control over half of the Gaza Strip, while Hamas has reasserted its presence in the remaining territory. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that more than 370 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the truce began, while Israel attributes its strikes to Palestinian breaches, including incursions into Israeli-held areas.
Humanitarian agencies acknowledge an increase in aid entering Gaza but cite ongoing Israeli restrictions and security risks. Hamas claims Israel has failed to fulfill ceasefire pledges, including reopening the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. Israel has offered to reopen Rafah for departures only, a proposal Egypt and Palestinian authorities rejected, insisting on two-way access.
Diplomatic push intensifies
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump on December 29 to discuss advancing the plan's second phase. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who met Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Sunday, reiterated the need to end Hamas's rule in Gaza and ensure the territory's demilitarization. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani described the current moment as "critical," while Trump expressed optimism that the second phase would proceed "pretty soon."
Three Israeli soldiers have been killed in clashes with Hamas operatives, who are reportedly still active in underground tunnels in southern Gaza.
