Middle East Peace Plan Faces Major Obstacles and Is Already Under Strain

The current Middle East peace plan is facing significant challenges, particularly as tensions escalate between Israel and Hamas. Following a brief ceasefire, accusations of violations emerged from both sides, complicating efforts to maintain peace.

Background of the Peace Plan

The initial phase of the peace plan emphasized crucial elements: halting hostilities, increasing humanitarian aid, and securing the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. In exchange, Israel would release Palestinian detainees. However, just a day into the ceasefire, friction surfaced regarding these commitments.

Escalating Tensions

• Both Israel and Hamas blamed each other for ceasefire violations.
• In Gaza, fighting intensified as Hamas sought to solidify its power, reportedly executing individuals accused of collaboration with Israel.

Gershon Baskin, an Israeli negotiating veteran, cautioned that the fragile agreement was in “deep crisis mode.” He emphasized the critical need for the agreement to succeed, warning against its collapse.

Humanitarian Aid Under Threat

Israel’s restrictions on aid escalated due to perceived violations by Hamas. Initially, Israel allowed only a limited number of aid trucks into Gaza, significantly below the planned figure. Despite Hamas returning some deceased bodies of hostages, a subsequent forensic analysis revealed discrepancies, fueling further distrust.

Ela Haimi, who lost her husband during a Hamas attack, expressed concern about the ongoing situation. She stated her hope for a resolution that ensures all bodies are returned before advancing the process.

Challenges of Implementation

The subsequent phase of the plan demands Israel’s further withdrawal from Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. Observers are skeptical about achieving this, especially considering Hamas’s ongoing control over Gaza and the recent violence reported in the region.

The Red Cross recently reported a number of Palestinian fatalities due to Israeli fire amid rising tensions. Local authorities indicated that Hamas is still active, with armed patrols documented throughout Gaza.

International Involvement

• Negotiations include potential international stabilization forces led by the U.S.
• Plans are in place for a force numbering approximately 35,000 troops to maintain order.

Nimrod Novik, a noted Israeli diplomat, raised concerns about misunderstandings that could arise during this interim phase. The involvement of U.S. military personnel now serves to bolster the ceasefire’s monitoring efforts.

Long-Term Governance and Reconstruction

The rebuilding of Gaza, projected to cost around $70 billion, hinges on international aid from Arab nations and the U.S. However, governance issues remain unresolved. Trump’s vision included establishing a “board of peace” to oversee local governance, but many question the lack of Palestinian involvement in these negotiations.

Legal expert Hiba Husseini warned that the absence of Palestinian authorities in the discussions could lead to significant challenges ahead. The future governance structure will need to address the concerns of the Palestinian populace to ensure lasting stability in the region.

As the peace process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether current efforts will succeed in establishing a lasting resolution to the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas.