"Trump Plan" for Gaza Peace Faces Collapse: Leaked U.S. Documents Reveal "Complex Hurdles" Preventing Hamas Disarmament and International Force Deployment

The news outlet Politico revealed on Tuesday that some officials within U.S. President Donald Trump's administration harbor deep concerns regarding the potential collapse of the peace agreement between Hamas and Israel. This apprehension is primarily due to immense difficulties in implementing several of the deal's core provisions.

Leaked internal documents obtained by Politico indicate "no clear path forward" exists for the second phase of the 20-point "Trump Plan" aimed at establishing lasting peace in Gaza. These documents, presented to U.S. officials, highlighted a list of obstacles impeding the deployment of an international peacekeeping force. These difficulties include defining the legal mandate for such forces, their rules of engagement, composition, location of deployment, and coordination mechanisms.

The documents were presented last October during a two-day symposium involving forces from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and members of the new Civil-Military Coordination Center established in southern Israel as an operational component of the peace agreement, which came into effect on October 10.

The first phase of the Trump Plan involved a cessation of military operations, the return of hostages and prisoners, and the withdrawal of the Israeli military to the "Yellow Line." The second and more complex phase mandates the disarmament of Hamas, a further Israeli military withdrawal, the establishment of a Palestinian transitional government supervised by a Peace Council, alongside the reform of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and economic development initiatives.

Mounting Doubts and Concerns:

Politico secured copies of these documents through a symposium participant. The materials included files and presentations prepared by U.S. government agencies, current field reports on the situation in Gaza, and consultancy papers from the Blair Institute, chaired by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. These documents painted a clear picture of the structural obstacles facing the Trump administration and its regional allies in achieving permanent peace.

The documents, though unclassified, underscored the Trump administration's commitment to the peace agreement despite its complexities, and revealed organizational plans for Washington’s oversight of the reconstruction effort. Politico noted that these documents suggest the likelihood that "Trump may fall into the same trap as many of his predecessors—mediating an intractable Middle East conflict without the necessary patience, resources, or partnerships to make the plan succeed."

The presentations failed to offer concrete political solutions, instead outlining the structural hurdles facing Washington and its partners in transforming the Hamas-Israel ceasefire into a permanent peace plan. Major obstacles include Israel's hesitation to fully withdraw from Gaza, Hamas's continued show of force, and ambiguity surrounding the functions of the overseeing Peace Council. Furthermore, the administration faces the challenge of the Palestinian Authority's desire to participate in Gaza’s future, despite strong Israeli opposition.

The Security Vacuum and the Decisive Factor:

One of the documents, titled "Gaza Status Report" prepared by the Blair Institute, highlighted the massive destruction left by the war. It also asserted that the Palestinian entity designated to govern Gaza would require long-term U.S. and international support that could span decades. The document also claimed that Hamas is actively reasserting its authority and filling the security vacuum in areas from which the Israeli military has withdrawn, stating that any delay in implementing the plan favors Hamas in consolidating control.

Regarding funding and forces, several nations (including Indonesia, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan) have expressed readiness to provide essential funds, resources, and to send international peacekeeping forces, contingent upon receiving a formal mandate from the United Nations. Washington plans to convene an international donors' conference after a UN Security Council resolution passes, but Politico noted that no specific timeline has been set. Ultimately, the ongoing disagreements between Israel and the Palestinians over the final identity of the authority responsible for the security and administration of the Strip remain the core stumbling block to the peace process.