Beyond the Ceasefire

Trump’s 20-point peace plan may be a well-intentioned road-map, but the truth is many challenges stand in the way. The plan was negotiated primarily between the U.S. and Israel, with the Palestinian Authority not consulted on the final framework. Critics, including UN experts, have pointed out that an imposed plan that does not centre on the will of the Palestinians undermines their right to self-determination

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The initial phase of the U.S.-brokered peace plan for Gaza has been implemented. The deal, mediated by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, has three phases. The first relates to immediate ceasefire and humanitarian actions, the second to demilitarization and security and he final phase to governance and reconstruction. While the first phase has been implemented and a ceasefire is in place, significant and more challenging issues remain unresolved, and progress on he subsequent phases is uncertain. Thus, he prospects for a lasting peace in Gaza face significant obstacles.

The achievements in Phase One are quite important as a ceasefire is in effect. Any pause in hostilities is undeniably a good hing. The ceasefire began on 10 October, following the agreement's approval by the Israeli cabinet. Hamas released the remaining 20 live Israeli hostages on October 13, and Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian aid has begun flowing into Gaza, though itis still considered insufficient to meet the vast needs of the population. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have withdrawn to agreed-upon lines, pulling back from populated areas like Gaza City and Khan Younis. These are positive developments. However, Israel and Hamas continue to have fundamental disagreements, and the agreement's fragility is evident in several key areas. A major sticking point is the return of the bodies of deceased Israeli hostages. President Trump's plan stated that ‘within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.’ Hamas failed to return all 28 bodies within the 72-hour timeline required by the deal. The remains of at least 19 hostages are still unaccounted for.