Phase Two of Gaza Ceasefire: A Fragile Hope Amidst Challenges
As the fragile ceasefire in Gaza enters its 26th day, the possibility of a phase two
deal is being discussed amidst rising tensions and humanitarian crises. The United States has officially distributed a draft resolution to the UN Security Council, proposing a transitional body for the reconstruction and aid management in Gaza. However, the draft resolution, which includes a call for a temporary international stabilisation force,
has drawn criticism from various corners, including Egypt and Turkey.
The Background
The ceasefire followed the aftermath of a devastating conflict, the effects of which are still reverberating in the region. Approximately 268,000 housing units were destroyed by Israeli forces, leaving 288,000 Palestinian families homeless according to Gaza's Government. The ceasefire has also seen a rise in arrests of Palestinians by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem, further straining the delicate peace.
The Controversial Draft Resolution
The draft resolution proposed by the US has been met with wariness, particularly due to its language around disarmament. The document calls for an international force that would take part in "demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, including the destruction and prevention of rebuilding of military, terror, and offensive infrastructure.”
Egypt and Turkey, among other Arab and Muslim states, have expressed concern about potentially being trapped
into disarming Hamas by force. Egypt has called for more emphasis on “decommissioning” weapons and advocated for time to negotiate a handover of heavy weapons with Hamas in a coordinated manner.
Israel, however, has been adamant that it will not accept Turkish armed forces in Gaza under Trump's peace plan. Meanwhile, US special envoy Witkoff confirmed that Hamas officials had told him that the terror group would disarm, but the group has been silent on any official commitment to lay down arms.
Humanitarian Concerns and Aid Management
The United Nations’ World Health Organisation is set to begin its immunisation campaign in Gaza, stressing the need to maintain the ceasefire. The United Arab Emirates has announced plans to increase humanitarian shipments to Gaza, highlighting a sea corridor from Cyprus as a vital lifeline
for Palestinians. However, aid workers have described Israel's bureaucratic barriers that prevent trucks from entering Gaza as a “deliberate attempt” to limit aid.
Towards a New Phase?
Despite the ongoing challenges, initiatives like the proposed international stabilisation force and a transitional body for reconstruction could be steps towards a more stable future. However, concerns over the possibility of a return to war remain as the ceasefire continues to be tested.
As Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, "Israel’s repeated violations” were preventing the full implementation of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel is reportedly working to alter the UN Gaza stabilisation force plan to suit its military and political aims, despite initially ceding to US pressure.
In these complex circumstances, the path to a successful phase two
of the Gaza deal remains uncertain. The world watches on, hoping that diplomatic efforts will prevail over further violence.