Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed US envoy Steve Witkoff’s announcement about the start of “Phase Two” of the US’s Gaza deal as largely symbolic, as the situation on the ground in the besieged Palestinian territory hasn’t changed.
According to The Associated Press, Netanyahu told the family of the last remaining Israeli soldier whose body remains buried in the Gaza rubble that the governing committee of Palestinians meant to administer Gaza under US oversight, which was part of Witkoff’s announcement, was merely a “declarative move” rather than a sign of progress.
Missing from Witkoff’s announcement was any mention of the international force that was supposed to deploy to Gaza under the White House’s 20-point peace plan, as countries initially willing to participate have been hesitant over concerns their troops could end up fighting Hamas on behalf of Israel.
Witkoff also didn’t mention a further Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as the IDF continues to occupy more than 50% of the Palestinian territory. Israeli officials have been clear that they are eyeing a permanent occupation. “We are deep inside Gaza and will never leave all of Gaza – that will not happen,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said last month.
For its part, Hamas has welcomed the US announcement and has said it’s ready to dissolve its government to make way for the Palestinian committee. But the group has maintained that it won’t disarm unless there is progress toward a Palestinian state, though it has suggested the idea of a temporary disarmament. Israel is reportedly planning an offensive to take over Gaza City if Hamas doesn’t give up all of its weapons.
