Trump Gaza Peace Plan Phase Two: Progress on Paper, Pitfalls on the Ground
Trump Gaza peace plan phase two faces major hurdles including Hamas's refusal to disarm, foreign-led governance controversy, and a worsening humanitarian crisis in January 2026.
On the face of it, the announcement of Phase Two of Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza would seem like progress. However, as of January 15, 2026, there remains a massive lack of clarity about the future of the strip and the 2.1 million Palestinians living there.
Obstacles for the Trump Gaza Peace Plan Phase Two
According to Reuters, the plan demands that Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza agree to disarm. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff warned that failure to do so would "bring serious consequences." Hamas has adamantly refused, viewing their weapons as tools of resistance against Israel's military occupation. This standoff empowers far-right members of Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, who are champing at the bit to resume military operations.
The military reality remains fragile. Since the ceasefire began in October 2025, over 450 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, while the Israeli military reports 3 soldiers killed in attacks. Furthermore, Israel has given no indication it will withdraw fully, insisting on a permanent security presence in the strip.
A Controversial Governance Structure
The plan introduces a three-tiered governance system. A technocratic government of Gaza locals will sit at the bottom, overseen by an Executive Committee likely to include former British PM Tony Blair. At the top sits the Board of Peace, chaired by Trump himself, with rumored members including Keir Starmer and Giorgia Meloni.
Many Palestinians view this foreign-led oversight as a form of colonialism. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation is bleak. Winter temperatures below 5C and torrential rain have caused severe flooding, destroying tents and makeshift shelters for hundreds of thousands of homeless Gazans.
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