As Israel and Hamas move closer to phase two of a US-led plan to end the Gaza war, tensions are rising over the unclear role of an international stabilisation force that could operate inside the Palestinian enclave.
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim said on Sunday that the US proposal still needed “many clarifications.” He stated that Hamas was willing to discuss “freezing or storing” weapons during the truce but would not accept any foreign force handling disarmament inside Gaza.
Hamas Rejects Foreign-Controlled Disarmament
Naim said Hamas would accept a UN force near Gaza’s borders to monitor a ceasefire, report violations, and prevent escalation.
However, Hamas would not allow such a force to hold any authority on Palestinian land.
His remarks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would meet US President Donald Trump to discuss advancing to the next stage of the plan. Netanyahu insisted that the coming phase must lead to Hamas’s disarmament and the end of its rule in Gaza.
Netanyahu described phase two as “no less daunting” than the first, emphasising that demilitarising Gaza is a core objective.
Uncertainty Over Whether Hamas’s Offer Will Satisfy Israel
It remains unclear whether Hamas’s willingness to store or freeze arms would meet Israel’s demands for full disarmament.
Naim stressed Hamas’s “right to resist,” adding that disarmament could only be part of a broader process toward establishing a Palestinian state, potentially through a long-term truce lasting five to ten years.
The US plan leaves open the possibility of future Palestinian statehood — something Netanyahu has long rejected, arguing it would reward Hamas.
A Vague Framework With Many Unknowns
Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan outlines general steps, including:
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Creating an international stabilisation force
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Establishing a technocratic Palestinian government
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Operating under an international “board of peace”
But it provides no concrete timelines or detailed structures.
US officials have said they expect forces on the ground early next year, and while countries such as Indonesia have agreed to contribute troops, the force’s composition, command, and responsibilities remain undefined.
Netanyahu acknowledged the uncertainty, listing basic questions still unanswered:
“What is the timeline? Which forces will participate? Will there be international troops? What are the alternatives?”
Phase One Stumbles as Violence Continues
Phase one has already faced major setbacks. Israel has continued air strikes during the truce, killing more than 370 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. Israel accuses Hamas of delaying the release of captives.
Phase two will begin once Hamas returns the final Israeli captive — a policeman killed on October 7.
Israel Establishes a ‘New Border’ in Gaza
Early steps of the plan involved Israeli forces pulling back to positions behind a so-called yellow line. The Israeli military now controls 53% of Gaza and declared the yellow line a “new border.”
Military chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir said the line serves as a defensive barrier and an operational zone, confirming Israel intends to maintain control over large parts of the enclave.
Qatar Warns Truce Is at Risk
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned at the Doha Forum that the truce could collapse without rapid progress toward a permanent agreement.
He said a true ceasefire requires:
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Full withdrawal of Israeli forces
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Restored stability
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Freedom of movement for Palestinians
None of these conditions have been met under phase one.
Meanwhile, Israeli and Qatari officials met with US counterparts to repair relations following Israel’s air strike on Doha in September, according to Axios.