What does 'phase two' of Trump's ceasefire involve?

The facts so far on the disarmament of Hamas and the shape of Gaza's post-war government.

- James C Reynolds

“A new and beautiful day is rising and now the rebuilding begins,” Donald Trump told world leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, heralding the success of the first phase of his peace agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the war.

If the “first phase” sought to address the key demands of both sides - namely a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of the hostages to Israel — the second would focus on rebuilding the enclave in a way that guarantees lasting peace and security.

Trump acknowledged on Monday that the path to peace would be winding. The phases of the deal are “all a little bit mixed in with each other”, he said, assuring later that elements can still be taken “out of order in a positive way”.

The US president’s formula for peace is outlined in a 20-point plan unveiled at the end of September. The proposal contains a few short timeframes for the immediate pressures, as well as a number of more abstract commitments to the future. Israel said it accepted the terms at its presentation on 29 September. But negotiations with Hamas on “phase two” are ongoing, Trump said on Monday.

Challenges to peace