Key facts
- Trump's year-old plan to end the Gaza war has stalled.
- Israel continues near-daily attacks, occupying two-thirds of Gaza.
- The initial phase secured a ceasefire and hostage/prisoner releases.
- Disarming Hamas, Israeli withdrawal, and rebuilding Gaza remain unachieved.
- Gaza's health ministry reports at least 1,400 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire.
- Over 1.2 million people in Gaza face acute hunger despite increased aid.
A year after its unveiling, US President Donald Trump's plan to end the Gaza war has stalled, with Israel continuing near-daily attacks and occupying around two-thirds of the enclave, where Palestinians face dire conditions.
The initial phase of the 20-point plan, which began on October 10, 2025, resulted in a ceasefire and the release of the last remaining hostages seized in Hamas' 2023 attacks, along with hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, other key objectives, including disarming Hamas, securing Israeli withdrawal, and rebuilding Gaza, remain largely unachieved.
Despite the absence of full-scale military operations, Israeli strikes have persisted. Gaza's health ministry reports at least 1,400 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire, while Israel states its strikes target Hamas and accuses the group of rearming. Five Israeli soldiers have also been killed since the ceasefire.
Israel's military has expanded its control to approximately two-thirds of Gaza, displacing more Palestinians into a shrinking area. Israel-backed Palestinian militias opposing Hamas reportedly use these Israeli-held zones to launch attacks.
While aid flows have increased, aid groups argue it is insufficient, with over 1.2 million people still facing acute hunger. An average of 227 trucks carrying humanitarian and commercial supplies entered Gaza daily from the ceasefire to the end of May, falling short of the 600 trucks stipulated in the plan. Israel claims around 600 trucks enter daily and that Gaza is receiving adequate supplies, but aid agencies report that Israel is blocking essential items, citing potential military use by Hamas.
A plan unveiled in July for Hamas to disarm has also stalled. Hamas indicated agreement to hand over weapons to a US-backed Palestinian government, a significant shift for the group, but Israel deemed the plan unacceptable, stating it would not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed.
The International Stabilization Force (ISF), intended to secure Gaza, has a commander, US Major General Jasper Jeffers, and committed personnel from several countries, but has not yet been assembled. The technocratic Palestinian governing body, appointed in January, has yet to enter Gaza.
Reconstruction efforts are minimal, with Palestinians scavenging for materials. The Board of Peace proposed a $2.45 billion rebuilding plan, a fraction of the estimated $71.4 billion needed over the next decade.
Meanwhile, some Israeli right-wing politicians are advocating for the mass removal of Palestinians, with an office established to oversee "voluntary emigration." Trump's earlier suggestion of permanent displacement faced international resistance, and Israeli officials state there are no plans for forced removal. Israel is scheduled to hold a general election on October 27.