Trump Peace Board Claims Israel Hinders Gaza Plan, Cites Hamas Violations

Sources within the Trump administration's Peace Board have accused Israel of obstructing the 20-point plan for Gaza, a plan they helped develop. Speaking on the sidelines of the MEAD conference in Washington, these sources expressed a strong sentiment that Israel is seeking excuses to avoid progress on the initiative. They noted that while Hamas violates agreements, Israel also fails to adhere to them, leading to a lack of even a single day of quiet.

The Peace Board is preparing for the post-election period in Israel, aiming to advance the second phase of the plan, which includes disarming militants. They are working to expand the international stabilization force (ISF), with commitments from Uganda, Burundi, Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania. Indonesia, which previously considered sending troops, is now exploring rejoining the force and plans to visit the coordination headquarters in Kiryat Gat soon.

The initial phase of the international force will comprise 2,500 soldiers tasked with securing the entry of the Palestinian Technocratic Committee (NCAG) into southern Gaza. Concurrently, the NCAG is recruiting and training Palestinian police officers in Egypt, with Israel approving 16,000 candidates who are not Hamas members, aiming for a police force of 10,000 to 12,000.

Sources within the Peace Board also alleged that Israel is creating difficulties for the training of these police officers in Egypt and for the deployment of foreign soldiers into the stabilization force. In contrast, members of the Palestinian Technocratic Committee expressed optimism, highlighting significant improvements in Gaza compared to a year ago, including the absence of hostages, a drastic reduction in daily fatalities from over 100 to 1-2, and increased humanitarian aid.

Regarding Hamas's standing, sources indicated that approximately 90% of Gazans oppose the organization, and its popularity is rapidly declining. They believe Hamas is in a difficult position, and the current pressure might eventually lead to an agreement on disarmament, although Hamas currently refuses. The committee is also working to re-establish the education system, which has been disrupted for three years, and to revise textbooks, noting UNRWA's continued significant role in operating schools and clinics. Both the Peace Board and the Technocratic Committee are concerned about Hamas concealing weapons and the need for strict checks to prevent infiltration of the Palestinian committee by militant groups. Efforts are also underway to bring in international disarmament experts, with one proposal suggesting Hamas operatives could publicly document their surrender of weapons for immunity, though this is not a current requirement.