The release of hostages from Gaza and President Donald Trump’s declaration of a “historic dawn of a new Middle East” have marked a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy. The new 20-point Gaza peace and rehabilitation plan, backed by most Arab and Muslim-majority states, envisions Israeli and foreign military control over more than half of the Gaza Strip, a condition Hamas previously rejected.
Yet, as CNN analyst Brett McGurk warns, the real test lies in what Hamas does next. “In past deals, Hamas exploited ceasefires to reassert control through violence and propaganda. This time, their room to maneuver is limited,” McGurk noted. Reports already indicate Hamas forces are detaining Palestinians opposed to their rule, raising fears of renewed internal repression.
🚨Trump says talks have begun for phase 2 of his Gaza ceasefire plan, says there will be ‘tremendous progress’ following summit in Egypt
Q: Can you tell us when phase two of the negotiations will begin?
Trump: It started, as far as we’re concerned… I think you’ll see some… pic.twitter.com/CP0D1lwsgm
— Rabia İclal Turan (@iclalturan) October 13, 2025
A central part of Trump’s framework is the creation of an interim security and political structure for Gaza, supported by an international peacekeeping coalition. The U.S. Central Command is coordinating from outside Gaza, while allies debate troop and funding commitments.
However, reconstruction remains the greatest challenge. With Gaza’s infrastructure decimated and its tunnel network sprawling across the Strip, rebuilding could take a decade and cost hundreds of billions of dollars. Without Hamas relinquishing control, few nations will risk investing, making this ceasefire’s success hinge on whether the militant group finally steps aside.
