Next Phase of Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire Plan Faces Key Challenges

Post by : Saif Nasser

Mediators from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar are working hard to stabilize the early stages of the Gaza ceasefire and plan the next phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan. The talks aim to move Israel and Hamas toward more difficult agreements, including security arrangements, governance, and disarmament.

Status of Current Ceasefire
The first phase of the ceasefire focused on stopping fighting, returning hostages, allowing more aid into Gaza, and a partial Israeli withdrawal to a “yellow line.”

Israel has pulled back from some areas of Gaza, but around half of the territory remains under Israeli control. The army has started marking the withdrawal line with yellow concrete blocks and warned residents to stay away.

Hamas has released 20 living hostages and 13 bodies, while 15 deceased hostages remain in Gaza. The group says rubble and other obstacles make returning all bodies slow. Israel expects around five more bodies to be returned soon, with an international task force helping locate the rest.

Israel has released about 2,000 Palestinians, including 250 long-serving prisoners, but blocked the release of some key militants.

Aid is entering Gaza through two crossings, but UN and Palestinian officials say it is not enough to meet urgent needs.

Challenges in the Ceasefire
Despite the truce, violence has continued, especially near the “yellow line.”

On Sunday, Palestinian militants killed two Israeli soldiers in Rafah. Israel responded with airstrikes that killed 28 people, according to Gaza health authorities. Both sides later recommitted to the truce.

Hamas has reinforced control in Gaza, targeting rival groups and suspected collaborators with Israel. Trump has expressed support for Hamas actions, but the U.S. military has urged an end to such killings.

The Rafah border crossing from Egypt remains mostly closed, delaying aid and movement.

Next Phase Discussions
Mediators are focusing on planning the next stage of the ceasefire. Key issues include:

Stabilization Force: A U.S.-backed international force is planned to maintain security in Gaza. Discussions continue on its size, command, legal status, and member countries. The U.S. may provide up to 200 troops without deploying them inside Gaza. Other countries like Indonesia, UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan are being considered for contributions.

Disarmament and Demilitarization: Trump wants Hamas and other armed groups to disarm, but Hamas has not agreed. Mediators have not formally started discussing this with Hamas yet.

Transitional Governance: Gaza is to be run by a temporary committee of apolitical Palestinian experts. Hamas has agreed to the idea but wants a role in approving members. This body will be supervised by an international “Board of Peace” led by Trump. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair might be included, but details are still being worked out.

Existing Gaza Government Employees: Hamas wants its current employees to remain in their jobs. Israel insists Hamas cannot participate in governance.

Israeli Withdrawal: Further Israeli pullbacks will depend on security assessments. Hamas wants a complete withdrawal for the war to end.

Palestinian Authority Reforms: The Trump plan calls for reforms to the Palestinian Authority, but the exact details and future role remain unclear.

Mediators are under pressure to ensure that the ceasefire holds and that both sides move toward a more lasting agreement. Aid deliveries, security, and governance arrangements are key issues that will determine whether the next phase of the plan can succeed.

The situation remains fragile, with continued tensions and humanitarian needs in Gaza. Successful negotiations could help stabilize the region, but challenges from both sides make progress uncertain.