After Donald Trump’s meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week, the U.S President reiterated that Hamas must disarm. However, as Ran Gvili’s body remains in Gaza and the terror group continues to secure its position rather than remove itself from power, The Jerusalem Post reported that Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to prepare for the chance of returning to Gaza and reentering combat with Hamas.
The security establishment clarified that no instructions have been received from the political echelons to prepare for reopening the Rafah Border Crossing.
There is a slim chance that Israel will allow goods to enter the Gaza Strip, as this would mean allowing the rebuilding of the area without the remains of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, the final hostage, being returned, the strip not being demilitarized, and Hamas not being disarmed, a security source clarified.
However, the Trump administration is keen on moving towards Phase II of the plan, despite an impasse with Hamas. Since Israel is opposed at this stage, the US has proposed starting with reconstructing Rafah, free of weapons and terrorists.
Phase two of the ceasefire agreement would see Hamas removed from power and an international peacekeeping task force in Gaza as the region rebuilds. This would be enacted when the final hostage has been returned, but Hamas has made little progress toward that goal in the past months. The terror group had previously said it would be open to “freezing” its weapons rather than disarming. But Israel has rejected this, as the weapons can be used again eventually.
Previous reports said that phase two would begin this month, but as we roll into the new year, more questions arise than answers. Like any security measure or initiative to protect Israel and her people, The Fellowship and our generous supporters keep the brave men and women of the IDF in our hearts and pray for shalom, peace, rather than war in Gaza.
