Full Breakdown
Advancements in the U.S. Peace Plan for Gaza: A Focus on Hamas's Removal
12/11/2025, 5:44:21 AM
Upcoming Announcements on Gaza Peace Plan
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz has indicated that significant announcements regarding the second phase of President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza are imminent. During a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem, Waltz emphasized that the U.S. will not permit Hamas to rebuild in Gaza, stating, “What has been clear, and I want to be clear, is Hamas has to go.” This statement reflects a core tenet of the peace plan, which aims to eliminate Hamas's influence in the region.
Structure of the Second Phase
The anticipated second phase of the peace plan includes the establishment of a Board of Peace, led by President Trump, and a committee of Palestinian technocrats responsible for overseeing Gaza's basic services. Waltz noted that the international community is working on a funding mechanism for Gaza's reconstruction and the implementation of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to maintain security and disarm Hamas if necessary. This phase is designed to transition from the current ceasefire to a more stable governance structure in Gaza.
Context of the Conflict
The backdrop to these developments is the ongoing tension following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages taken. While most hostages have been returned, the body of the last Israeli hostage, Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, remains unaccounted for, complicating the peace process. Hamas has expressed reluctance to disarm without a clear commitment to Palestinian statehood, a demand that Israel has consistently rejected.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the U.S. approach argue that the removal of Hamas without addressing the broader Palestinian aspirations for statehood could exacerbate tensions. Hamas has indicated that it will not participate in the peace process unless there are guarantees for a permanent peace and a pathway to statehood. This position raises concerns about the feasibility of the peace plan and the potential for renewed violence if Hamas feels marginalized.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the ongoing situation, Herzog cautioned that delays in the peace process could allow Iran and its proxies to regroup, emphasizing the need for momentum in implementing the resolution. Waltz reiterated the U.S. commitment to ensuring that Hamas does not benefit from reconstruction efforts, framing the current cycle of violence as “the definition of insanity.”
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Despite the optimistic outlook from U.S. officials, there are discrepancies regarding the timeline for the second phase. Initial expectations for an announcement in mid-December have shifted to the end of December, coinciding with Netanyahu's upcoming meeting with Trump. Additionally, skepticism remains among various stakeholders, including Hamas and other regional actors, about the viability of the proposed plan.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What has been clear, and I want to be clear, is Hamas has to go,” — Mike Waltz, U.S. Ambassador to the UN
- “Hosting Waltz at the President’s Residence, Herzog cautioned: “We hope that the process will not take too long, because in the Middle East, if you wait for too long, then the vacuum fills in…” — Isaac Herzog, President of Israel
- “What we’re determined to avoid, is what I call the definition of insanity: somehow Hamas is allowed to survive, they rebuild, the international community pours billions into reconstruction, Hamas attacks again, and Israel has no choice but to respond, and here we are in this cycle of insanity.” — Mike Waltz, U.S. Ambassador to the UN
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely to see how these developments will impact the future of Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
