Concerns Rise Over Gaza Peace Deal Implementation Challenges

Washington, D.C. – Some officials from the Trump administration are expressing serious concerns about the potential collapse of the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, particularly regarding the implementation of its essential provisions. These concerns emerged from private documents shared during a recent symposium attended by officials from the U.S. Central Command and the newly established Civil-Military Coordination Center in Israel.

The symposium, which took place last month, focused on the U.S.-brokered peace agreement that went into effect on October 10. The documents included situation reports and advisory papers from the Blair Institute, a think tank led by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. One primary concern highlighted is whether the proposed International Stabilisation Force, intended to maintain peace in Gaza, can be deployed successfully.

A presentation slide indicated uncertainty about the project’s future, linking the initial phases of the peace plan with a question mark. Although the documents, which are unclassified, convey a bleak landscape for the peace process, they also reflect the Trump administration’s commitment to moving forward with the agreement.

Eddie Vasquez, a spokesperson for the State Department, responded to these concerns, asserting that the criticism stems from a misunderstanding of the Gaza effort. Vasquez reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to enforcing the ceasefire and effectively implementing the 20-point peace plan.

Despite this commitment, the documents reveal formidable challenges ahead. A key issue remains the uncertain deployment of the International Stabilisation Force, with lingering questions about its mandate and coordination. The U.S. has submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations for authorizing the force, but many countries have stated they would only contribute if the initiative has UN backing.

Additional hurdles also emerged from the documents, including Israeli reluctance to withdraw from Gaza, Hamas’s ongoing control of the territory, and the Palestinian Authority’s intent to increase its presence. Disputes over governance and the Palestinian Authority’s role, which was undermined by Hamas in 2007, represent significant friction points.

The U.S. peace plan requires the Palestinian Authority to undergo reforms before it can participate, a stipulation resisted by both parties. Moreover, the documents point to critical concerns regarding extensive destruction in Gaza and the urgent need for international support for long-term security and reconstruction efforts.

One slide from the Blair Institute noted that Hamas is reasserting control in Gaza, complicating the already delicate security environment. While the Trump administration initially celebrated success after the ceasefire and the release of hostages, the documents imply that substantial challenges are looming ahead.

“This is an enormous endeavor and you need sustained, high-level attention,” said one official involved in the planning. “The administration took its victory lap after the initial cease-fire and hostage release, but all the hard work, the real hard work, remains.”