ALWAGHT- The mediators of the fragile ceasefire state that the second phase depends on Israeli troop withdrawal and the deployment of an international force.
The ceasefire guarantors, Qatar and Egypt, have stated that the crucial next step to implement the fragile Gaza truce is a full Israeli troop withdrawal and the deployment of an international stabilization force. This plan, backed by the US and UN, is currently stalled as Israel and Hamas disagree on how to proceed. While the first phase—involving an Israeli pullback to a "yellow line" and a hostage exchange—is largely complete, mediators warn the ceasefire cannot be finalized without these second-phase measures. Both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the agreement.
A major obstacle is the issue of Hamas’s disarmament, a requirement under the US-outlined plan. Hamas has rejected unilateral disarmament but stated it is willing to place its weapons under the authority of a Palestinian state if the Israeli occupation ends. The proposed next steps involve Israel withdrawing, Gaza being governed by a transitional "Board of Peace," and the international force deploying to monitor the truce, particularly along the yellow line where clashes have occurred.
Discussions about the stabilization force are ongoing, with unresolved questions about its command structure and which nations will contribute. Turkey has expressed interest in participating, though it faces Israeli opposition, and has argued that separating the fighting parties should be the immediate priority, not Hamas’s disarmament. Mediators are urgently pushing for the force's deployment, citing daily Israeli violations that risk collapsing the entire process.
Further complications surround the Rafah border crossing. While the ceasefire plan calls for it to reopen for aid, Israel has stated it will only allow Gazans to exit, prompting swift denials from Egypt, which insists it must be open for two-way humanitarian access. Egypt and other nations have strongly opposed any measure that could lead to the permanent displacement of Palestinians. The mediators emphasize that the current phase is temporary and are working to forge a path toward a lasting political solution that ensures justice and stability.
