Overview
- The ceasefire continues, but new analysis says the plan’s second phase is fragile as Hamas resists surrendering heavy weapons central to its power.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized focusing disarmament on the rocket, mortar, and anti-armor capabilities that enable attacks on Israel.
- Washington Examiner commentary urges increased U.S. pressure on Hamas’s external backers in Qatar and Turkey and notes that a proposed Project Sunrise rebuild depends on verifiable disarmament.
- A separate analysis warns proposed contributors to an International Stabilization Force could repeat past failures, criticizing potential roles for Turkey and noting Pakistan has signaled it would not participate in disarming Hamas.
- The Netanyahu government’s announcement of 11 new West Bank settlements and far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich’s expansion push are described as jeopardizing Arab partner support for the plan.