Donald Trump has declared a breakthrough in negotiations over the Hamas disarmament in Gaza, but Israel has yet to accept the plan. The proposed deal, announced via social media, aims to end the fighting through a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and a transfer of power to a Palestinian interim administration.
What the Trump-Backed Plan Includes
The 14-point roadmap, crafted by the Board of Peace (BoP), outlines a comprehensive approach to stabilize Gaza. Key elements include the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, the establishment of an international verification committee (IVC), and the deployment of a specially trained Palestinian police force alongside an international stabilisation force (ISF).
Under the plan, control of Gaza would shift to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a panel of Palestinian professionals who have been waiting in Cairo to take over administrative functions. This would enable the decommissioning and storage of heavy weapons, military production sites, depots, and tunnels.
Israel's Response and Skepticism
Despite Trump's announcement, Israeli government officials have voiced skepticism. Israel has consistently cited Hamas's failure to disarm as justification for continued strikes and the refusal to allow reconstruction. The lack of an official response suggests that significant hurdles remain before any ceasefire can be fully implemented.
Comparison of Key Sticking Points
| Issue | Hamas Position | Israel Position |
|---|---|---|
| Disarmament | Agreed to phased roadmap | Demands immediate, complete disarmament |
| Israeli Withdrawal | Requires full withdrawal | Wants guarantees before pulling back |
| Governance | Accept interim technocratic administration | Seeks security control during transition |
Key Takeaways from the Proposed Deal
- The plan includes a 14-day implementation period after all parties accept the roadmap.
- An international verification committee (IVC) would monitor compliance.
- The NCAG would take over all administrative functions, backed by a new police force and ISF.
- Heavy weapons and military infrastructure would be decommissioned and stored.
- Both sides are urged to halt all military operations immediately.
What's Next for Gaza Peace Efforts
The coming days will be critical as Israel officially responds to the proposal. If accepted, the roadmap could pave the way for a lasting ceasefire and the beginning of reconstruction efforts. However, given the deep mistrust between the parties, achieving full disarmament remains a complex challenge.
