Pitfalls loom as Trump’s Gaza peace plan enters second phase
Phase Two of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Announced
The United States has announced the start of phase two of its Gaza peace plan, with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff leading the initiative. The plan includes a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the reconstruction of the destroyed enclave.
Key Obstacles to Implementation
Several serious obstacles have emerged, making the implementation of the plan difficult. These include Hamas and other groups in Gaza being required to disarm, which has been met with resistance. Israel and Hamas have both accused each other of breaching the ceasefire and failing to honor their commitments under the agreement.
Reforms and Governance in Gaza
According to the plan, the Palestinian Authority (PA) will take over governing Gaza once it has completed reforms and can do so “securely and effectively”. However, the feasibility of this transition remains uncertain, especially given the current political and security environment.
Cost and Funding Concerns
The United Nations estimates that the reconstruction of Gaza will cost more than $50 billion. There is currently no clear source for this funding, raising significant financial and logistical challenges.
International Reactions and Concerns
Israel has made it clear it will not allow Turkish armed forces to operate inside Gaza, viewing the country as a destabilizing actor. This has raised concerns about the broader regional implications of the peace plan.