Trump's Gaza Peace Plan Stalled One Year On
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
One year after its introduction, President Trump's plan for ending the Gaza conflict has stalled, with key objectives like Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal unmet. While an initial ceasefire and hostage exchange occurred, Israel now controls two-thirds of Gaza, and humanitarian aid remains insufficient. Hamas claims willingness to disarm under a new Palestinian government, but Israel doubts this and demands complete disarmament before withdrawing. Reconstruction needs are estimated at $71.4 billion over the next decade.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Trump's Gaza peace plan is stalled one year after its introduction, with key goals unmet.
- Israel controls two-thirds of Gaza, exceeding the initial plan's proposed withdrawal line.
- Humanitarian aid to Gaza is insufficient, with over 1.2 million facing severe food insecurity.
- Hamas claims willingness to disarm, but Israel doubts its intentions and demands full disarmament.
- Reconstruction needs for Gaza are estimated at $71.4 billion over the next decade.
A year after its unveiling, U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the conflict in Gaza has stalled, with key objectives unmet. The initial phase, involving a ceasefire and hostage-for-terrorist exchange, was implemented following the release of the last living hostages. However, significant goals such as Hamas's disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and Gaza's reconstruction remain distant.
The 20-point plan's first stage included a cessation of military activity, partial Israeli withdrawal, prisoner exchanges, and increased humanitarian aid. Later stages envisioned Hamas disarming and being replaced by a new Palestinian governing body under Trump's "Peace Council." Israel was to gradually withdraw, transferring territory to a temporary international stabilization force. The plan stated Gaza would be rebuilt for its suffering residents.
While Israel has not resumed full-scale war, daily strikes continue. Gaza's Health Ministry claims at least 1,400 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire, many women and children, though the number of combatants is not specified. The IDF states strikes target Hamas, which it accuses of attempting to rearm, a claim Hamas denies. Five Israeli soldiers have been killed since the ceasefire.
Israel currently controls about two-thirds of the devastated Gaza Strip, exceeding the 53% outlined in the initial "yellow line" of Trump's plan. Militias opposing Hamas, supported by Israel, use this area for attacks against Hamas-controlled zones. Humanitarian aid has increased but remains insufficient, with over 1.2 million people facing severe food insecurity, according to IPC. International organizations report an average of 227 aid trucks daily entering Gaza between the ceasefire and late May, less than half the planned minimum of 600.
Israel claims approximately 600 aid and commercial trucks enter daily, meeting needs and fulfilling its commitments. Aid groups counter that Israel blocks essential items like tent poles and engine oil, citing potential military use by Hamas. Hamas claims readiness to disarm, but a July plan to achieve this is also stalled. Hamas agreed to store its weapons under a U.S.-backed technocratic Palestinian government, a significant shift, but Israel doubts Hamas will relinquish its arms and refuses withdrawal until complete disarmament.
The international stabilization force has yet to be fully assembled, though a commander, U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers, has been appointed, and several countries have pledged personnel. The long-term plan is for 20,000 troops and 12,000 trained Palestinian police. Reconstruction efforts are minimal, with Palestinians salvaging materials for shelters. The Peace Council proposed a $2.45 billion reconstruction plan, while UN and EU estimates project $71.4 billion in needs over the next decade.
