At a Glance
- President Donald Trump will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago to push a Gaza ceasefire.
- The discussion will focus on the stalled second phase of a U.N.-approved 20-point plan.
- Key issues include Gaza reconstruction, an International Stabilization Force, and UAE funding.
Why it matters: The meeting could decide whether Gaza’s future peace plan moves forward or stalls.
On Monday, President Donald Trump is slated to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate, a rare face-to-face that could inject new momentum into a Gaza ceasefire that risks stalling before its second phase begins. The two leaders will discuss how to accelerate a U.N.-backed 20-point plan that aims to dismantle Hamas’ rule and rebuild Gaza under international oversight.
Meeting Set to Revive Gaza Ceasefire
Trump’s visit comes as the truce that began in October has largely held but has slowed, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Netanyahu’s support for the plan is mixed, and the U.S. seeks to leverage Trump’s strong rapport to push Israel toward the next steps.
- First phase started in October, after Hamas’ attack that killed ~1,200 people.
- 250+ hostages released, all but one alive or dead.
- Second phase is more complex, requiring Gaza reconstruction and disarmament.
Trump’s 20-Point Plan and the Second Phase
The plan, approved by the U.N. Security Council, outlines a roadmap for ending Hamas’ rule, rebuilding Gaza, and normalizing relations with Arab states. It also envisions a Palestinian technocratic committee and a two-year, renewable U.N. mandate overseen by a Board of Peace chaired by Trump.
- Gaza to become demilitarized under international supervision.
- Palestinian committee to run daily affairs, apolitical and technocratic.
- Normalized Israel-Arab relations and possible Palestinian independence.
Challenges and Diplomatic Dynamics
Israel’s hesitation over the committee’s composition and continued military strikes complicate the plan. A U.S. envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner met with Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish officials in Florida, but details remain unclear.
Mona Yacoubian stated:
> “This is going to be a really tall order, I think, for President Trump to get Netanyahu to agree.”
Mona Yacoubian added:
> “How he does that, what kind of pressure he puts on Netanyahu, I think, is going to be important to watch for.”
- Israeli vetting of committee members delays progress.
- International Stabilization Force mandate disputed by regional and European governments.
- Hamas claims right to armed resistance; U.S. considers cash-incentive buy-back.
Reconstruction and International Oversight
Israel’s bombardment has left Gaza’s cities in rubble. The U.S. and partners are pushing for disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal before reconstruction can begin. The UAE has pledged to fund new communities, though the deal’s terms are still in negotiation.
| Phase | Key Actions | Oversight |
|---|---|---|
| First | Ceasefire, hostage release | U.N. Security Council |
| Second | Demilitarized Gaza, technocratic committee, reconstruction | Board of Peace, International Stabilization Force |
- UAE Temporary Emirates housing complex inside Israeli-controlled Gaza.
- U.S. planned community area surrounding UAE zone.
- Map shows potential sites for temporary housing.
Key Takeaways
- Trump-Netanyahu meeting could revive stalled second phase of Gaza ceasefire.
- 20-point plan hinges on Gaza’s demilitarization, reconstruction, and a technocratic Palestinian committee.
- Regional and international actors still debate the mandate of the International Stabilization Force and the role of UAE funding.
Contributors: James O Connor Fields.
As the world watches, the outcome of Monday’s meeting may set the course for Gaza’s future, determining whether a fragile ceasefire can evolve into lasting peace or remain stuck in a stalemate.
