US set to launch 2nd phase of Gaza peace plan despite Hamas' failure to return remains of last hostage and disarm

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is planning to transition to the second phase of the Gaza peace deal, despite Hamas not having fulfilled its responsibilities to return all remains of the hostages and to commit to disarmament, The Times of Israel (TOI) reported on Thursday. 

The TOI cited a U.S. official who said the Trump administration remains committed to both of those goals, but is not willing to condition the move to the second phase on their completion.

The report claims that the United States has based its decision on assurances from Middle East partners, including Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt, who have told Washington that Hamas will agree to a gradual disarmament. These assurances appear to contradict the clear statements of Hamas leaders, who have consistently rejected the demand to disarm before the achievement of an independent Palestinian state, saying they will only surrender their weapons to such a government. 

The U.S. is eager to begin the program of removing rubble and reconstruction to demonstrate progress towards Trump’s vision for a post-war Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told Trump that Israel would be cooperative.

Despite U.S. assurances to Israel that it remains committed to bringing home the remains of Israel's Police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, and to the disarmament of Hamas, Israeli officials have publicly voiced opposition to any move to advance the peace plan before those conditions are met.

Two of Netanyahu’s key coalition allies, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir (Jewish Power party) and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (Religious Zionism party), have both stated they may withdraw from the coalition if Israel agrees to move forward with the peace deal, despite Hamas' recalcitrance. Such a move could lead to the collapse of the Israeli government and the calling of early elections.

According to the TOI report, the U.S. is considering a plan that would see Hamas surrender heavy weapons, such as rocket launchers and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, while participating in a buyback program for rifles. It is not known whether Hamas would accept such terms, as it has consistently declared that its weapons are crucial to its purpose. 

Axios reported that Trump will announce the formation of the Gaza Board of Peace next week as the first step in the transition to the second phase, citing two American officials and two sources familiar with the plan. 

The board, which will be chaired by Trump, will consist of around 15 international leaders who will oversee both the reconstruction of Gaza and the supervision of a governing Palestinian technocratic administration. 

According to the TOI, invitations to join the board are being sent to the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, among other countries expected to participate.

The report confirmed that the U.S. has already secured commitments from the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Italy, Egypt and Qatar.