Both sides of the ongoing conflict in Gaza are reluctant to progress to the next crucial phase of the ceasefire, leaving Palestinians in the territory to endure the harsh winter conditions with little hope for immediate improvement.
Mohamed Hassouna, a resident of Gaza City, expressed the desire for coexistence between Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the need for both nations to exist peacefully.
The central issue of the ceasefire, concerning the conditions for establishing a Palestinian state, remains unresolved, hindering progress on other aspects of the agreement.
Former Israeli commander, Major General Yitzhak Brik, suggested that political considerations and challenges in disarming Hamas are impeding the peace process.
The 20-point plan brokered by former President Donald Trump, supported by various countries and the UN Security Council, faces obstacles in implementation.
The establishment of an International Stabilization Force in Gaza is a key hurdle, with disagreements on who should lead this initiative and ensure Hamas’s disarmament.
Efforts to engage countries in the ISF task have faced challenges, with ongoing discussions about potential contributors and their roles.
Turkey’s willingness to participate has been met with resistance from Israel, while other nations like Indonesia and Pakistan are cautious about involvement without a clear path to Palestinian statehood.
The issue of Palestinian statehood lacks clarity in the ceasefire document, with diverging views on the path to self-determination and a two-state solution.
Disarming Hamas remains a major challenge, as the group links its disarmament to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, complicating the peace enforcement process.
The reluctance of certain countries to support the ISF and disagreements over the Palestinian Authority’s role in Gaza further complicate the path to peace.
Amid these challenges, the status quo in Gaza remains precarious, with concerns about a potential permanent occupation and the impact on civilian populations.
Efforts to break the impasse involve international discussions and potential meetings between key stakeholders to address the obstacles hindering progress.
The White House and other involved parties are gearing up for renewed efforts to advance the peace plan and provide a future for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Arab states are actively engaged in supporting the peace process, recognizing the significance of the current plan in achieving a ceasefire and working towards a lasting resolution.
