Trump Gaza Peace Plan Stalls as Israel Retains Control

US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan remains stalled a year after its launch, with Israel retaining control over roughly two-thirds of the enclave and continuing near-daily strikes despite an October 2025 ceasefire.

The first phase of Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan produced a ceasefire on October 10, 2025, the release of the remaining hostages captured during Hamas’ October 2023 attack and freedom for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. However, key objectives—including Hamas’ disarmament, an Israeli withdrawal and Gaza’s reconstruction—remain unresolved.

Under the original framework, Israel was expected to withdraw to a “yellow line,” leaving its forces controlling about 53% of Gaza. Israeli military control has since expanded to approximately two-thirds, forcing more Palestinians into a shrinking coastal area.

Although full-scale warfare has not resumed, Gaza’s health ministry says Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,400 Palestinians since the ceasefire. Israel says it targets Hamas militants attempting to attack its forces or rebuild military capabilities, allegations Hamas denies. Five Israeli soldiers have also been killed since the truce.

Humanitarian assistance has increased, but severe shortages persist. The IPC estimates more than 1.2 million Gazans face acute hunger. Data cited by the organization showed an average of 227 humanitarian and commercial trucks entered Gaza daily between the ceasefire and late May, well below the 600 envisioned under Trump’s plan. Israel says around 600 trucks now enter each day.

Efforts to disarm Hamas have also stalled. Hamas agreed to place its weapons under the control of a US-backed Palestinian technocratic administration but rejected describing the process as “disarmament.” Israel insists it will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed.

Meanwhile, the proposed International Stabilization Force has yet to deploy, despite several countries committing personnel. Reconstruction also remains limited, with a $2.45 billion initial rebuilding proposal falling far short of the estimated $71.4 billion needed over a decade.

Gaza’s future is expected to remain a major political issue as Israel approaches its October 27 general election, with pro- and anti-Netanyahu blocs locked in a tight contest.