Israel-Gaza live updates: Netanyahu reiterates opposition to Palestinian state

The United States is gearing up to unveil the second phase of its Gaza 20-point peace plan in the near future, as per a U.S. official. This move comes as the U.S. and its allies strive to uphold a delicate ceasefire brokered between Hamas and Israel back in October.

The forthcoming announcement is set to introduce a fresh governance framework in Gaza led by a Board of Peace, in addition to the launch of an International Stabilization Force aimed at bolstering security in the region. President Donald Trump is anticipated to disclose the individuals and nations involved in these mechanisms as part of the impending announcement.

In anticipation of this announcement, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz is scheduled to embark on a trip to the Middle East this Saturday, with visits planned to Jordan and Israel.

The 20-point Gaza peace plan received a significant boost when the United Nations Security Council endorsed a resolution in November, endorsing the plan with member-countries’ votes. The resolution mandates the ISF to collaborate with Israel and Egypt, along with a newly trained and vetted Palestinian police force, to secure border regions and facilitate the permanent disarmament of non-state armed groups, including Hamas.

Waltz affirmed to the council that the ISF would be responsible for securing the area, aiding in the demilitarization of Gaza, dismantling terrorist infrastructure, removing weapons, and ensuring the safety of Palestinian civilians.

The U.N. Security Council’s approval also paved the way for the establishment of a transitional governance body known as the Board of Peace. This entity will oversee the governance of a Palestinian technocratic, apolitical committee, supervise the reconstruction of Gaza, and facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid.

Funding for the reconstruction of Gaza post two years of conflict will be sourced from a trust fund supported by the World Bank, as outlined in the resolution.

Reports suggest that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to meet with President Trump in the U.S. before the month’s end to discuss the next steps in the Gaza peace plan.

This development signifies a significant step forward in the efforts to bring stability and peace to the region, and offers hope for a brighter future for the people of Gaza.