Another Step Towards Peace in Gaza

With the recent return of Ran Gvili’s remains, for the first time since 2014, Hamas no longer holds any hostages in Gaza. And peace efforts in Gaza can continue to move ahead.

With the recent return of Ran Gvili’s remains, for the first time since 2014, Hamas no longer holds any hostages in Gaza. And peace efforts in Gaza can continue to move ahead.Indeed, on January 16, President Donald Trump formed the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Shortly thereafter, he announced the Board of Peace, and with it the transition to Phase Two of the 20-Point Peace Plan, both of which were established by UN Resolution 2803. The results of Phase One speak for themselves, said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz:“A ceasefire that the entire world were begging for and demanding, humanitarian aid that was so desperately needed, and the release and return of all hostages to their families.” Phase Two will advance the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza in line with the President’s plan and Security Council Resolution 2803.Under President Trump’s chairmanship, the Board of Peace will help realize a new Gaza and a break from decades of violence. “And we are already seeing results,” said Ambassador Waltz:“With the cooperation and assistance of Israel and our Board of Peace partners, over 55,000 trucks have entered Gaza, bringing food, shelter, and medicine since the ceasefire began. Over 1.3 million people received food assistance in December. We welcomed the re-opening of Allenby Gate and King Hussein Bridge, the crossing between Israel and Jordan. And we welcomed the full re-opening of the Rafah border crossing, which will expedite the flow of medical evacuations.” The National Committee will restore essential services throughout Gaza and foster an economy where opportunity replaces unemployment and dependence.“But before we can reach this goal,” said Ambassador Waltz, “Hamas and other militant groups must lay down their arms.”“Point 1 of the President’s 20-point plan is that Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors. They must live up to their end of the bargain. Point 2 is that Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered for far too long and for more than enough.” Hamas must not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly or indirectly. “All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt,” stressed Ambassador Waltz.Independent international monitors will supervise a process of demilitarization of Gaza to include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program.Under the leadership of Major General Jasper Jeffers of the United States Army, the Internal Stabilization Force will begin to establish control and stability, so that the Israel Defense Forces can withdraw from Gaza.The United States remains fully committed to working with Israel and other members of the international community to bring about the peace, prosperity, and security, that the people of the region deserve.