Trump Administration in Urgent Crisis as Gaza Peace Deal Frays

UPDATE: The Trump administration is facing a crisis as reports indicate that the historic Gaza peace deal, brokered just weeks ago, is on the verge of collapse. According to Axios, President Donald Trump‘s ambitious plan for peace between Israel and Hamas is unraveling following key rejections and escalating violence.

The peace deal, which included a full withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from Gaza and commitments from Hamas to return Israeli hostages and disarm, now faces significant obstacles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly rejected the participation of Turkey in the proposed new Palestinian police force, leading to heightened concerns among U.S. officials about the deal’s viability.

A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, highlighted the counterproductive nature of Netanyahu’s stance:

“The Turks were very helpful in getting the Gaza deal, and Netanyahu’s bashing Turkey has been very counterproductive.”

The urgency for a functional peace plan is underscored by recent Israeli military actions, with reports confirming the deaths of 104 Palestinians in a single night due to airstrikes on Gaza.

Critics have warned that the peace plan could disintegrate even as it was being negotiated. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Israeli Minister of National Security, expressed his discontent with the plan on social media, stating, “with the devil, one is forbidden to make deals,” and lamenting that he was “sad that [he] was right.”

Other prominent Israeli officials, including Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have echoed concerns, vowing to continue military operations in Gaza following the return of hostages. The growing dissent among Israeli leaders poses a significant threat to the fragile agreement.

Despite these challenges, some Trump administration officials remain cautiously optimistic. One senior official remarked,

“It is better to move slow and get it right because we are not gonna have a second chance.”

As the situation evolves, attention remains on the critical developments surrounding the peace plan and the potential ramifications for the region. The stakes are high, and both U.S. and Israeli officials are urged to navigate this precarious landscape with care.

The international community is watching closely as this urgent situation unfolds, with implications that could affect not only the peace process in Gaza but also broader geopolitical relations in the Middle East. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.