United States Initiates Second Phase of Gaza Peace Plan Amid Ongoing Challenges

The United States has advanced to the second stage of its Gaza peace initiative, despite several unresolved issues from the initial phase. The process aims to facilitate a transition from conflict to stability in the Gaza Strip, with the goal of establishing long-term peace and reconstructing the region.

According to official sources, the plan involves the creation of an interim Palestinian administration composed of technocrats based in Gaza. This transitional body, consisting of 15 members, will be responsible for overseeing the disarmament of militant factions and initiating reconstruction efforts. Ali Schaath, a local political figure with experience in public administration, has been appointed to lead the group. The plan explicitly requires that none of the members have affiliations with the Hamas movement.

The transitional council will include representatives from the private sector and non-governmental organizations, aiming to ensure a broad spectrum of expertise and support. Both the Hamas organization and the Fatah movement, led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, have reportedly endorsed the list of council members. Oversight of the interim administration will be conducted by an international entity referred to as the 'Board of Peace', with former United Nations Middle East envoy Nickolaj Mladenow expected to provide local oversight.

One of the most significant obstacles facing the second phase is the disarmament of Hamas, which has thus far refused to relinquish its weapons. Senior figures from Hamas and other Palestinian groups are currently in Cairo for negotiations related to this process. U.S. officials have stated that the objective is to establish an alternative administrative authority to Hamas, enabling subsequent negotiations regarding disarmament and the possibility of amnesty programs with Israel.

The initial phase of the American peace plan, introduced in October, had received conditional approval from both Israel and Hamas. However, critical elements such as a comprehensive ceasefire have not been consistently upheld. Another key component required the return of living and deceased hostages held by Hamas to Israel. While most hostages have been accounted for, the remains of one last hostage have yet to be transferred to Israel, with U.S. officials maintaining that this obligation remains outstanding.

The United States and its international partners continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for all parties to adhere to the provisions of the peace plan. The coming weeks are expected to be critical in determining whether the new transitional administration can effectively address the complex political, security, and humanitarian challenges facing Gaza.