Israel and Hamas Clash Over Implementation of US Gaza Peace Plan

Israel has not formally approved the next phase of US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, despite Hamas stating it is ready to proceed with the agreement. The dispute centers on a roadmap presented by the Board of Peace that involves Hamas disarmament and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas officials told mediators they are ready to hand over weapons to a Palestinian governing committee and urged the US administration to pressure Israel to move to the second phase. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel did not agree to the draft presented by the Board of Peace.

Israeli security officials, including Shin Bet Director David Zini, have warned that Hamas is attempting to trap Israel. Zini described the roadmap as a diplomatic October 7, suggesting Hamas intends to use the process to buy time and restrict Israeli military freedom of action until after Israel's October elections. A specific point of contention is a proposed 14 day preparatory period, which some Israeli ministers oppose because it could limit targeted strikes against Hamas operatives.

Reports on the deployment of an International Stabilization Force are mixed. Some reports indicate the security cabinet approved a legal framework for approximately 200 members to enter Gaza, while other reports suggest a separate document regulating the force remains unsigned due to Israeli objections. Uganda's parliament has already voted to authorize troop deployment if required.

While the Israeli military vowed to continue hitting Hamas, some reports indicate that operations in Gaza have decreased in intensity recently. According to the Palestinian health ministry, 1,257 Palestinians have been killed since October last year, while the Israeli army has reported five deaths in its ranks during that period.