Trump's Gaza Ceasefire Plan: Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps in the Israel-Hamas Truce

Israeli forces have withdrawn from certain regions of Gaza as part of the ongoing ceasefire implementation.

Cairo:

The United States, Egypt, and Qatar, serving as Gaza mediators, have intensified their efforts this week to strengthen the initial phases of the Israel-Hamas truce and advance US President Donald Trump's comprehensive 20-point ceasefire proposal.

Current Negotiation Status:

A delegation from Hamas headed by exiled Gaza leader Khalil Al-Hayya has been engaged in discussions with Egyptian officials in Cairo since Saturday.

US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday following meetings between envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. Egyptian representatives have also conducted meetings with Netanyahu.

The ceasefire's first phase encompasses cessation of hostilities, hostage releases, increased humanitarian aid delivery, and a partial Israeli military withdrawal to a designated "yellow line."

Actions Taken Under the Truce:

Israeli forces have retreated from portions of Gaza, though approximately half of the territory remains under Israeli control. On Monday, the military began establishing the withdrawal boundary, cautioning Hamas fighters and civilians to maintain distance.

Hamas has freed all 20 living hostages in its custody and returned 13 bodies, with 15 deceased hostages still remaining in Gaza. Hamas has indicated that debris and other challenges may impede the recovery of several bodies. Israel believes Hamas possesses the capability to swiftly return approximately five additional bodies but is deliberately delaying. An international team has been tasked with locating the remainder.

Israel has released around 2,000 Palestinians, including 250 long-term prisoners, but has blocked the release of certain prominent leaders. It has returned 165 Palestinian bodies to Gaza.

Israel has also facilitated increased humanitarian aid through two crossing points into Gaza, though UN and Palestinian officials report this remains significantly inadequate.

Challenges Affecting the Truce:

Sporadic violence has continued, particularly near the "yellow line" marking Israel's partial withdrawal within Gaza.

Israel began marking this boundary on Monday with yellow concrete barriers following repeated shooting incidents. Gaza residents report confusion regarding the exact location of this demarcation line.

On Sunday, Hamas allegedly killed two Israeli soldiers in Rafah. Israel responded with airstrikes that Gaza health authorities reported killed 28 people. Subsequently, both Hamas and Israel reaffirmed their commitment to the truce.

Within Gaza, Hamas has reasserted control, executing members of rival factions and those accused of collaborating with Israel. Trump signaled approval of these actions, though US military officials have demanded they cease.

Hamas has complained about insufficient aid delivery. Israel maintains it is honoring all agreements.

The Rafah border crossing connecting Egypt to Gaza, scheduled to reopen, remains closed.

Ongoing Discussions for the Next Phase:

A US-supported stabilization force is intended to maintain security in Gaza. Its composition, function, command structure, legal framework, and other details remain under negotiation.

The United States has pledged up to 200 troops to support this force without deploying them inside Gaza. US officials have indicated discussions with Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan regarding potential contributions.

Trump seeks Hamas and other militant groups' disarmament and Gaza's demilitarization. Hamas has never accepted these terms and states that mediators have not formally initiated discussions on this matter.

Gaza's governance is to be transferred to a transitional committee of apolitical Palestinian technocrats. The composition of this body remains undecided. Hamas has accepted its formation but insists on having approval authority.

This panel would operate under the supervision of a new international transitional entity called the "Board of Peace" led by Trump. Its establishment, including the potential inclusion of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, awaits final agreement.

Hamas wants employees of its existing Gaza administration, which it has managed since 2007, to retain their positions. Israel rejects any Hamas involvement.

The timeline for additional Israeli withdrawals remains unresolved and will partially depend on Israel's assessment of Hamas's continuing threat level. Hamas maintains that the conflict will only conclude with Israel's complete withdrawal.

The Trump plan advocates for Palestinian Authority reforms. The specifics of these reforms and the Authority's future role remain unclear.

The proposal suggests the truce could eventually create conditions conducive to Palestinian self-determination. Netanyahu has thus far refused to acknowledge the possibility of a Palestinian state.