What do we know about the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal in Gaza?
Al JazeeraJAN 10
US, Israel Reject Egypt's Gaza Reconstruction Plan
Above: Displaced Palestinian families travel on a makeshift cart through the devastated streets as they struggle to meet their water needs by filling containers from tanker deliveries in Gaza on March 05, 2025. Image copyright: Dawoud Abo Alkas/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
The US and Israel have rejected an Egyptian plan endorsed by the Arab League, saying that it failed to address the realities in Gaza. Israel said that Palestinians in Gaza should have the option to leave the strip, accusing Arab states of rejecting an opportunity and leveling "baseless accusations" against Israel.
US National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said that "Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live in a territory covered in debris and unexploded ordnance," reiterating Trump's plan to displace the population and rebuild the strip as the "Riviera of the Middle East."
Israel's foreign ministry indicated that, regardless of any proposed plan, there must be a permanent cease-fire first. Israel is currently blocking aid from entering Gaza to pressure Hamas into extending and changing the cease-fire deal that both parties agreed to in January.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
In contrast to Trump's irresponsible and unfeasible plans to relocate Gaza's population, Egypt's proposal may be a useful framework to move forward regarding the question of Gaza's future. Though the plan leaves out some important points, it ultimately creates a picture of a post-war and post-Hamas Gaza that would not be a serious security threat to Israel.
Pro-Israel narrative
Trump's negotiation tactics are bearing fruit, as the Arab states are now playing a proactive role in how to handle Gaza's post-war future. Still, the question of Hamas' presence in the strip and its weapons cannot be avoided, and nothing can happen until the group is eliminated. Indeed, as has been the case for some time, Hamas is the most significant obstacle to peace.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though a plan for Gaza's post-war future that does not involve the forced displacement of the strip's population is a good step, the Arab states must do more to support Palestinians. Before anything meaningful can happen, the war must end and Israeli forces must withdraw from Gaza completely. Nonetheless, the Arab states must work with Palestinians to build a plan and united front that prevents Israeli and US interference.