Full Breakdown
Tensions Surround Phase II of Trump's Gaza Peace Plan
1/26/2026, 9:38:50 PM
Overview of the Gaza Peace Plan's Second Phase
The second phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict and rebuilding Gaza has commenced, yet Israel's role appears diminished. This phase emphasizes the demilitarization of Gaza, security measures, governance, and reconstruction efforts. Trump recently announced the formation of a "Board of Peace," which includes countries like Qatar and Turkey, to oversee these initiatives. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has expressed significant concerns, particularly regarding the ongoing captivity of the last Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili, whose remains are reportedly known to be located in Gaza.
Israeli Government's Position
Netanyahu's administration has firmly stated that it will not proceed with the second phase until Gvili's remains are returned. The family of Gvili has been vocal in urging the Israeli government to prioritize his return before any further steps are taken toward peace. Reports indicate that U.S. officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, have been pressing Israel to reopen the Rafah border crossing, a critical route for humanitarian aid, despite Israeli objections. The Israeli government has maintained that the crossing should only open for Gazans leaving for Egypt until Gvili's remains are returned.
Criticism of U.S. Influence
Critics within Israel argue that Trump's administration is exerting undue influence over Israeli national security decisions. Some Israeli officials have expressed frustration that the full Cabinet has been sidelined in discussions about the peace plan, which they believe undermines Israel's sovereignty. Orit Strock, a hawkish Israeli minister, has publicly condemned the "Board of Peace," labeling it a "bad plan" and suggesting that Israel should consider reoccupying Gaza instead of relying on a technocratic Palestinian administration to manage the region.
Challenges to Implementation
The implementation of the second phase faces significant hurdles. While the U.S. aims to facilitate the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic committee to govern Gaza, Hamas has rejected calls to surrender its weapons, proposing instead to "store" or "freeze" them. The lack of a credible enforcement mechanism raises concerns about the feasibility of disarmament and the overall stability of the region.
Official Statements & Responses
In a recent meeting with U.S. officials, Netanyahu acknowledged the discussions surrounding the Rafah crossing but did not confirm its reopening. An anonymous Israeli official criticized Witkoff's pressure to open the crossing, expressing concerns about security implications. The Gvili family has also voiced their discontent, stating, "The pressure should not be on the Israeli government to continue to fulfill its part of the agreement while Hamas is deceiving the entire world."
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the timeline and conditions for the Rafah crossing's reopening. While U.S. officials assert that it is imminent, Israeli sources indicate that further discussions are necessary. Additionally, the exact status of Gvili's remains and the extent of Hamas's cooperation in their return remain unclear.
What's Next?
As the situation evolves, the Israeli government faces mounting pressure to comply with U.S. demands while balancing domestic political challenges. The future of the Rafah crossing and the broader peace process will depend on the outcomes of ongoing negotiations and the actions of Hamas in the coming weeks.
