As Israel and Hamas prepare to enter phase two of the US-drafted Gaza peace plan, major questions remain over the role of an international stabilisation force and the specifics of Palestinian disarmament.

Hamas’ Position on Phase Two

Senior Hamas official Basem Naim emphasized that the draft plan “requires a lot of clarifications.” Hamas is open to freezing or storing weapons during the ongoing truce but opposes any international force taking control of disarmament on Palestinian soil.

“We welcome a UN force to supervise the ceasefire, report violations, and prevent escalation, but it will have no mandate inside Palestinian territory,” Naim said.

Hamas retains its “right to resist” and indicated that weapon storage could be part of a long-term truce tied to eventual Palestinian statehood, potentially lasting five to ten years.

Israel’s Position

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed plans to meet with Donald Trump at the end of the month to discuss advancing phase two, which focuses on Hamas disarmament and Gaza demilitarisation.

“We have a second phase, no less daunting, to achieve the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza,” Netanyahu said alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The Israeli military maintains control over 53% of Gaza and has defined the so-called yellow line as a “new border,” serving as a forward defensive line for Israeli communities.

US Plan Details

• The Trump administration’s 20-point plan outlines the potential establishment of a stabilisation force and a technocratic Palestinian government under an international “board of peace”.
• Countries like Indonesia have agreed to contribute troops, but the force’s command structure, timeline, and operational responsibilities remain undefined.
• Phase two will begin once Hamas returns the last Israeli captive, a policeman killed in the October 7 attack.

Regional Concerns

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned that the truce is at a “critical moment” and could collapse without progress toward permanent stability, freedom of movement for Palestinians, and Israeli troop withdrawal.

Amid ongoing discussions, Israeli and Qatari officials are coordinating with the US to rebuild diplomatic relations following Israel’s airstrike on Doha in September.