A powerful winter storm has resulted in flooding across the Gaza Strip, affecting over 800,000 individuals, according to the UN. The heavy rainfall has submerged displacement camps and contributed to the collapse of several structures. A displaced resident in Gaza City, Ghadir al-Adham, described water entering the tent she shares with her family, stating a desire for rebuilt homes and more permanent shelter. Her family remains displaced following recent conflict and awaits reconstruction efforts.
The current situation in Gaza remains in the first phase of a US-proposed peace plan, two months after a US-brokered ceasefire. This phase involves the division of territory between involved parties, with a significant portion of the population still displaced amidst widespread rubble.
Obstacles to Peace Plan Progression
Plans for both reconstruction and the formation of a new government are currently stalled, pending the resolution of the search for Ran Gvili, identified as Israel's last remaining hostage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, must be returned by Hamas before the peace deal can advance to its subsequent stages. Multiple searches within Gaza's rubble have not yielded any sign of Gvili, a police officer captured during the 7 October Hamas attacks while defending Kibbutz Alumim.
His parents, Talik and Itzik Gvili, were informed last year that their son had not survived. They have expressed the belief that Hamas is withholding their son's remains as leverage for future negotiations, following the return of other hostages. A Hamas official has denied these allegations, claiming Israel is attempting to avoid implementing the agreement. The Gvili family, supported by growing pressure from Washington, has stated they expect Israeli leaders not to proceed with the peace plan until their son is located. Many within Israel's political landscape believe that advancing the deal, which includes a further withdrawal of Israeli forces, would be politically challenging for Prime Minister Netanyahu while a hostage remains unaccounted for.
Concessions and Hesitations
Both Israel and Hamas face significant concessions in the upcoming stages of the peace deal. For Hamas, this involves surrendering weapons and relinquishing power. For Israel, it entails transferring security responsibilities to an international stabilization force. Retired General Israel Ziv, a former head of Israel's military Operations Directorate, suggests that both sides may be hesitant to advance quickly, citing Hamas's desire to maintain control and Israel's political considerations regarding troop withdrawal. General Ziv emphasized the urgency of progressing the plan, warning that delays could allow Hamas to reorganize and regain strength, deeming the current stalemate as the "worst-case scenario."
Disarming Hamas in a mutually acceptable manner is considered a primary hurdle. Without this, the commitment of foreign troops for security in the Strip and the initiation of reconstruction in Hamas-controlled areas are unlikely. Prime Minister Netanyahu recently expressed skepticism regarding the capacity of international forces to fully undertake all necessary security tasks in Gaza, stating that while they might handle certain tasks, they may not be able to manage the "main thing."
US Push for Progress
Gaza is presently bisected by the 'yellow line,' which delineates the extent of Israeli forces' presence under the initial ceasefire agreement. This line was recently referred to as a "new border line" by Israel's military chief of staff, leading to accusations that Israel intends a long-term presence. Key topics, including the disarmament of Hamas, are scheduled for discussion between Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump in Florida later this month. President Trump, who has brokered the Gaza ceasefire and advanced his peace plan through the UN Security Council, has publicly expressed a strong desire to accelerate the peace process. He announced this week his intention to reveal the members of a new 'Board of Peace for Gaza' early next year, describing it as a highly sought-after body.