US Pushes Second Phase of Gaza Plan Set for January

Witkoff conveyed that Trump’s agreement for Gaza will move into its second stage at the start of January, an Israeli media report said, citing a senior official.

The report noted Israel’s concern that Trump may push for advancing the plan before Hamas is fully disarmed.

Under this second phase, Israel would gradually withdraw its troops from Gaza as a transitional authority is established and an international security force deployed. Hamas is expected to disarm and reconstruction efforts would begin.

However, the composition of the multinational force remains unclear, with Israel expressing strong opposition to any Turkish involvement.

The issue is expected to be raised during Trump and Netanyahu’s meeting in the U.S. on December 29.

Washington aims to launch the initiative through an international conference, likely in the U.S. in January, involving the president, Middle Eastern leaders and partner countries, another Israeli media report said. 

Witkoff conveyed that Trump’s agreement for Gaza will move into its second stage at the start of January, an Israeli media report said, citing a senior official.

The report noted Israel’s concern that Trump may push for advancing the plan before Hamas is fully disarmed.

Under this second phase, Israel would gradually withdraw its troops from Gaza as a transitional authority is established and an international security force deployed. Hamas is expected to disarm and reconstruction efforts would begin.

However, the composition of the multinational force remains unclear, with Israel expressing strong opposition to any Turkish involvement.

The issue is expected to be raised during Trump and Netanyahu’s meeting in the U.S. on December 29.

Washington aims to launch the initiative through an international conference, likely in the U.S. in January, involving the president, Middle Eastern leaders and partner countries, another Israeli media report said. 

The bill would authorize the U.S. president to transfer a stock of 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs and B-2 stealth bombers to Israel if Iran persists in pursuing nuclear weapons.