Efforts to advance U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza beyond the ceasefire are stalling, raising the risk of a de facto partition between Israeli-controlled areas and zones under Hamas authority. Under the first stage of the plan, Israel controls 53% of Gaza, including farmland, parts of Gaza City, and Rafah, while nearly all 2 million residents remain displaced across the rest of the territory.
Why It Matters:
A fragmented Gaza risks entrenching long-term separation, undermining Palestinian aspirations for statehood, and complicating reconstruction. Without international coordination and pressure, humanitarian and political instability may continue indefinitely.
Israel: Maintaining control of its designated zone and a buffer along the border; rejects Palestinian Authority involvement.
Hamas: Controls remaining Gaza territory; has released hostages but refuses to fully disarm.
United States: Advocating the Trump plan, drafting U.N. resolutions for a multinational force and transitional authority.
European and Arab Nations: Hesitant to commit troops; pushing for Palestinian Authority involvement.
Palestinian Authority: Seeks full sovereignty and participation in reconstruction.
Gaza Civilians: Facing humanitarian crises amid destroyed infrastructure and divided governance.
What’s Next:
Progress depends on resolving disputes over Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, multinational forces, and Palestinian Authority involvement. Funding for reconstruction remains uncertain, with costs estimated at $70 billion. Analysts warn that without U.S. leadership and cooperation from Israel and Hamas, Gaza could remain effectively divided for years.
With information from Reuters.
