US envoys press Netanyahu to advance the Gaza ceasefire’s second phase, raising questions about security and sovereignty.
Story Snapshot
- US envoys urge Netanyahu to move forward with the Gaza ceasefire’s second phase.
- Discussions focus on demilitarization and reopening the Rafah crossing.
- Tensions rise over compliance and security concerns.
- Trump’s ceasefire deal faces challenges amid ongoing violations.
Pressure Mounts on Netanyahu
US envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to push for the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. This phase, part of President Trump’s “20-Point Plan,” focuses on critical issues such as the recovery of hostage remains, demilitarization, and the reopening of the Rafah crossing. The meeting signifies the US’s commitment to sustaining the ceasefire, although Israeli security concerns and Hamas’s compliance continue to pose challenges.
The ceasefire, initially effective from October 10, 2025, has witnessed numerous violations, with over 480 Palestinian deaths reported since its inception. The US delegation’s meeting with Netanyahu underscores the importance of advancing to Phase 2, which includes demilitarization and reopening borders. These steps are considered pivotal for regional stability, yet they face resistance due to the complex political and security landscape.
The Role of Key Stakeholders
President Trump, along with envoys like Witkoff and Kushner, plays a crucial role in driving the US’s policy towards the Gaza ceasefire. The Israeli side, led by Netanyahu, prioritizes demilitarization and the recovery of hostage remains, often clashing with Hamas’s demands for Israeli withdrawal. Ali Shaath, heading the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, focuses on economic reconstruction, while Egypt and Turkey act as mediators. The US-Israel partnership remains strong, albeit strained by domestic pressures faced by Netanyahu.
As the situation progresses, the reopening of the Rafah crossing remains a critical indicator of Phase 2’s success. Ali Shaath announced its reopening next week, pending Israeli Cabinet discussions. However, the hostage situation continues to stall progress, with recent talks between Hamas and Turkish intelligence highlighting the ongoing disputes over compliance and security assurances.
Implications and Challenges
Short-term implications of advancing to Phase 2 include the potential for increased aid and evacuations through the Rafah crossing. However, delays in hostage recovery threaten the ceasefire’s stability. Long-term, successful demilitarization could lead to significant economic reconstruction, estimated by the UN at $70 billion. Failure, however, might invite further Israeli military operations by March, complicating the political landscape for both Trump and Netanyahu.
The broader implications affect various stakeholders, including Gazans who have suffered significant casualties and infrastructure damage, Israeli families of hostages, and Palestinians undergoing a technocratic transition. Economically, the reconstruction efforts promise to revitalize Gaza, while politically, the successful implementation of Trump’s plan could bolster his legacy and influence the upcoming Israeli elections.
Despite the optimism expressed by US envoys, experts warn that without a clear Palestinian political vision, Phase 2 may fail. The complex dynamics between demilitarization, political aspirations, and security guarantees continue to challenge the ceasefire’s sustainability. While the US remains a key player, the unresolved issues of disarmament and territorial withdrawal highlight the intricacies of achieving lasting peace in the region.
Sources:
US envoys urge Netanyahu to move into Gaza ceasefire’s second phase
US delegation discusses with Israeli Premier implementing Gaza ceasefire Phase 2, envoy says
Phase two of Gaza’s ceasefire will fail without political vision
