The initial Israel-Hamas ceasefire follows Donald Trump’s peace plan, but major challenges remain. Key issues include disarming Hamas, Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza, and determining who will govern the territory.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

A ceasefire agreement for Gaza has been reached, but several major obstacles remain before a lasting peace can be secured. The plan requires Hamas to fully disarm and dismantle its military infrastructure, a condition that Hamas has not directly addressed and is seen as a significant hurdle. Another contentious issue is the withdrawal of Israeli troops, which is tied to the demilitarization of Gaza and lacks a clear timeline for full withdrawal, especially with Israel planning to retain a buffer zone.

The proposed multinational peacekeeping force, intended to maintain security after Israeli withdrawal, has yet to secure firm commitments from Arab and Muslim countries, many of which are hesitant due to concerns about their role and troop safety. Governance of Gaza is also unresolved, with an initial technocratic committee planned and future involvement of the Palestinian Authority contingent on reforms. Israeli leadership opposes any role for the current Palestinian Authority, adding further complexity to the implementation of the deal.

Gaza ceasefire deal: Key sticking points ahead

Initial joy on both sides as news breaks that agreement on the first phase of Trump's plan for Gaza has been reached. But it is the next phase that many believe will be the real test, and decisive in whether the deal will hold. One of the greatest challenges looks set to be the disarmament of Hamas. Under the 20-point plan, the militants are required to decommission all weapons and destroy terrorist infrastructure, including tunnels and arms production sites. But for Hamas, this would be akin to complete surrender, and leave them vulnerable if Israel decides to resume the war. It's telling, some say, that in their initial response to Trump's plan, they did not mention the issue of disarmament. Critics suggest Hamas is likely to need stronger guarantees if they are to put their weapons permanently beyond use. Another potential sticking point is the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Israel will only agree to completely pull out its forces, as Hamas demands, when it decides, along with others, including the US, that the enclave is sufficiently demilitarised and militants no longer pose a threat. A map published by the White House shows three phases of withdrawal. The first to coincide with the hostage release. A second as the IDF starts handing over the territory to a multinational peacekeeping force. But the third phase sees Israel staying in a buffer zone amounting to as much as 15% of the Palestinian territory with no enforceable timeline for withdrawal. Also far from settled is the multinational peacekeeping force. It will be responsible for security in Gaza when Israel withdraws. It's supposed to be made up largely of Arab and Muslim forces, but up to now, few such countries have made firm commitments. Many are reported to be setting tough conditions as they don't want to be seen to be assisting Israel in cracking down on Palestinians and are worried about dangers to their own troops. Then there's the future governance of Gaza. Initially, a technocratic, apolitical committee of Palestinians will govern the territory, supervised by what's been called the Board of Peace headed by Trump himself and other international experts, such as the UK's Tony Blair. Hamas has to agree to have no role in the governance of the Strip. The plan does, however, envision a role in future in Gaza for the Palestinian Authority when it has, quote, reformed, i.e. become less corrupt and more efficient. But Israel's Netanyahu is vehemently opposed to this idea.

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