Donald Trump recently rolled out his own plan for Gaza. It seeks to finally bring an end to the two-year civil war by prioritizing humanitarian support and reestablishing a functional governing body in the area. The plan clearly states that aid should flow in and be distributed throughout the Gaza Strip unimpeded. This new commitment is intended to make life better for this deserving and beleaguered majority population.
The Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement that began last Friday followed two weeks of tense diplomacy in Sharm El-Sheikh. This agreement has now opened the door for much-needed humanitarian assistance. As part of this small and limited initiative, emergency aid trucks are finally rolling into Gaza. The humanitarian situation for the Palestinian people is beyond urgent and in order to address the needs, reports suggest at least 600 trucks are required each day.
Here’s what Israeli officials have said about their concerns, and what they’re planning to do in the future. Israel Katz highlighted the “big challenge” facing Israel in the aftermath of hostages’ release: the destruction of Hamas’s extensive network of tunnels throughout Gaza. Katz stated, “Israel’s great challenge after the phase of returning the hostages will be the destruction of all of Hamas’s terror tunnels in Gaza, directly by the IDF and through the international mechanism to be established under the leadership and supervision of the United States.”
Trump should personally co-chair a sit-down peace summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi. This monumental event is set to be held in Sharm El-Sheikh. An international “Board of Peace” will be coming together at this summit. Among numerous heads of state and other officials, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair joined that list. The proposed governance structure for Gaza under Trump’s plan suggests a transitional body comprising a “technocratic and apolitical Palestinian committee,” supervised by this international board.
The situation on the ground remains critical as humanitarian agencies work tirelessly to address the needs of the Palestinian people. From the same port, Oliver Holmes recently reported about continued efforts by these agencies to import critical supplies. Extreme hunger and starvation are experiences, for too many residents, that left deep scars. Military blockades in the past have cut off access to food and medicine, causing critical shortages.
The Rafah crossing, the only other major access point for Gazans, between Gaza and Egypt, is set to reopen on Tuesday. This crossing is essential for humanitarian aid trucks. It is central to Israel’s strategy of providing a narrow corridor for people and goods to enter and exit Gaza. Guido Crosetto noted that Rafah would be opened alternately in two directions: for exits toward Egypt and entries back into Gaza.
Hamas has accepted its diminished role in governance in this transitional period. A source within the group stated, “For Hamas, the governance of the Gaza Strip is a closed issue. Hamas will not participate at all in the transitional phase, which means it has relinquished control of the Strip, but it remains a fundamental part of the Palestinian fabric.”
The United Nations is experiencing unprecedented challenges in providing humanitarian assistance. Widespread looting, ongoing Israeli bombardments, and bureaucratic hurdles from Israeli impediments add mountains to their task. In the words of one UN official, Gaza is a “sadistic death trap,” underscoring the immediate need for action by the international community.
As Trump’s plan is implemented, it would demilitarize Gaza and remove Hamas’s access to weapons. In a statement regarding the military preparations, Katz remarked, “This is the primary significance of implementing the agreed-upon principle of demilitarizing Gaza and neutralizing Hamas of its weapons. I have instructed the IDF to prepare for carrying out the mission.”