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Trump unveils second phase of Gaza peace initiative
U.S. officials announced the next stage of President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan this week, but key details remain unresolved, casting doubt on its feasibility. The proposal demands disarmament from Hamas and other militant groups, outlines a new governance structure, and aims to stabilize the war-torn strip-yet critics warn of significant hurdles ahead.
Disarmament demand sparks tensions
Central to the plan is a requirement for Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza to lay down their weapons. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff warned that failure to comply would result in "serious consequences." However, Hamas has repeatedly rejected disarmament, viewing its arsenal as essential to resisting Israel's long-standing military presence.
Israeli hardliners within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition have already signaled their readiness to resume military operations if Hamas refuses to comply. Despite heavy losses, U.S. intelligence estimates suggest Hamas has replenished its ranks since the conflict began, raising concerns about prolonged instability.
Fragile ceasefire and rising casualties
The ceasefire, in effect since October of last year, remains tenuous. Both Israel and Palestinian factions have accused each other of repeated violations. According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, over 450 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since the truce began. The Israeli military reports three of its soldiers have died in attacks by Palestinian armed groups during the same period.
Uncertainty over Israeli withdrawal and governance
The plan offers little clarity on Israel's potential troop withdrawal from Gaza. Israeli officials insist on maintaining a robust security presence, arguing that the strip must not return to its pre-October 7, 2023, status-when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel. This stance could lead to prolonged disputes over the extent of any pullback.
Governance poses another challenge. Hamas, which won Palestinian elections nearly two decades ago, would be excluded under the new framework. Instead, a three-tiered system is proposed: a technocratic government of Gaza-based civil society figures, an external Executive Committee (reportedly including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair), and a Board of Peace chaired by Trump, with rumored participation from leaders like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
"Having foreigners effectively run Gaza feels like colonialism," said one Palestinian critic, reflecting widespread skepticism about the plan's legitimacy.
Humanitarian crisis deepens
While aid deliveries have increased since the ceasefire, relief agencies say supplies remain insufficient. Hundreds of thousands of Gazans remain displaced, living in makeshift tents amid harsh winter conditions. Torrential rains and flooding have destroyed shelters, and most children have missed over two years of schooling.
With no clear resolution in sight, the future for Gaza's 2.1 million residents remains precarious. While the plan's second phase signals diplomatic movement, its success hinges on addressing these critical gaps.
