Partition of Gaza a looming risk as Trump's plan falters

Territory likely to be split between areas controlled separately by Israel and Hamas

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A de facto partition of Gaza between an area controlled by Israel and another ruled by Hamas is increasingly likely, multiple sources said, with efforts to advance US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war beyond a ceasefire faltering.

Six European officials with direct knowledge of the efforts to implement the next phase of the plan told Reuters that it was effectively stalled and reconstruction now appeared likely to be limited to the Israel-controlled area.

That could lead to years of separation, they warned.

Under the first stage of the plan, which took effect on Oct 10, the Israeli military currently controls 53 per cent of the Mediterranean territory, including much of its farmland, along with Rafah in the south, parts of Gaza City and other urban areas.

Nearly all of Gaza's two million people are crammed into tent camps and the rubble of shattered cities across the rest of Gaza, which is under Hamas control.

Reuters drone footage shot in November shows cataclysmic destruction in the northeast of Gaza City after Israel's final assault before the ceasefire, following months of prior bombardments.

The area is now split between Israeli and Hamas control.

The next stage of the plan foresees Israel withdrawing further from the so-called yellow line agreed under Mr Trump's plan, alongside the establishment of a transitional authority to govern Gaza, the deployment of a multinational security force meant to take over from the Israeli military, the disarmament of Hamas and the start of reconstruction.

But the plan provides no time lines or mechanisms for implementation.

Meanwhile, Hamas refuses to disarm, Israel rejects any involvement by the Western-backed Palestinian Authority and uncertainty persists over the multinational force.