The announcement of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza may seem like a step forward, but it is marred by a significant lack of clarity and numerous potential pitfalls. The plan, which aims to bring stability to the devastated Gaza Strip, faces a complex web of challenges that threaten to undermine its success.
At the heart of the issue is the demand that Hamas, as well as other armed groups in Gaza, agree to disarm. However, Hamas has adamantly refused to give up its weapons, which it sees as essential tools of resistance against Israel’s decade-long military occupation. This intransigence could lead to a resumption of hostilities, with far-right members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government eager to “finish the job.”
Moreover, there is little clarity on the extent to which Israel will be required to withdraw its forces from Gaza. Israeli officials have insisted on maintaining a strong security presence in the strip, citing a “new reality” that precludes a return to the pre-2023 status quo. This could lead to continued wrangling over the parameters of an Israeli withdrawal.
The question of governance in Gaza is also a significant concern. With Hamas excluded from the new technocratic government proposed by the plan, it remains unclear who will provide essential services such as policing, security, schools, and hospitals. The idea of an International Stabilization Force to provide security has been floated, but no country has committed to contributing to such a force, and the details of its composition and mandate are still unclear.
Furthermore, the plan’s proposal to have non-Palestinians, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, oversee the new government’s work has raised concerns among Palestinians about the specter of colonialism. The presence of foreign figures in positions of authority over Gaza is viewed with deep distrust by many Palestinians.
Amidst these challenges, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Since the ceasefire was announced last October, more aid has been allowed into the strip, but aid agencies say it is still far from enough. Hundreds of thousands of Gazans remain homeless, living in makeshift tents, and have endured grim winter weather, with severe flooding and collapsing buildings.
As the second phase of Trump’s peace plan unfolds, cautious optimism is warranted. The plan represents a potential step forward, but it faces fundamental obstacles that must be addressed if it is to have any chance of success. The future of the 2.1 million Palestinians living in Gaza remains uncertain, and the international community must work diligently to find a sustainable and just solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
