Description: UK Secretary of Defense, John Healey, confirmed that troops from the UK would be sent to the Gaza Strip in an advisory capacity to complement the 200 US troops which would coordinate the Civil – Military Coordination Centre (CMCC). Healey confirmed that high – ranking officials would also be included in the delegation which would act as deputies to the US command center for the Strip. The announcement arrives as US Vice – President JD Vance is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire plan which stipulates the formation of the international stabilization force, a technocratic apolitical government in Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and the second stage of Israel’s military withdrawal. Last weekend’s abrupt violation of the ceasefire on both sides have prompted the US to ramp up diplomatic pressure to ensure the ceasefire’s longevity while also protecting Trump’s most significant diplomatic achievement. Israel has repeatedly conditioned its involvement in the second stages with the return of all dead hostages by Hamas while Hamas has stated that its disarmament and foreign administration of the Strip were unacceptable conditions.
Impact: The mediators and guarantors of the ceasefire are faced with the most challenging aspects of the peace plan in the second stage, attempting to draw Israel and Hamas close to upholding their promises and preventing the return of war and humanitarian devastation. Hamas has lost complete leverage in the war by releasing all living hostages and its existence and influence is contingent on the guarantees by the US and other influential mediators such as Turkey and Qatar. The organization would most definitely attempt to cling onto its role in the Strip which would entail some members being involved in its future administration, a condition that would be highly contested and disputed by Israel and the US. Israel would insist on Hamas’ complete disarmament and in the long – term would oppose the creation of a Palestinian state which remain as the major sticking point with historical context behind it. The second phase would put the ceasefire to a real test since by all means it would be a protracted period of negotiations which only extends the timetable and adds to the potential for the ceasefire to break down.