Report: Political and Military Stagnation Hinders Washington's Plans for Gaza's Future

SadaNews Translation: The aspirations of the U.S. administration to shape a new future in Gaza are dissipating daily in the face of an explosive reality on the ground, which is becoming more entrenched with the obstinacy of both Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to move to the second phase of the American plan, which requires mutual concessions, according to a report by the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.

Israel is required to open the Rafah crossing in both directions and allow the entry of reconstruction materials such as iron and cement, in addition to withdrawing its forces to the perimeter of the border fence. In return, Hamas is asked to relinquish power for the first time since its control in 2007, and to give up its weapons, including the tunnels that stretch for kilometers underground. This was also translated by SadaNews.

Yedioth Ahronoth claims in its report: "On the ground, Israeli reserve soldiers on the front line describe an illogical situation: 'Thousands of Hamas fighters move daily deep in the sector, but the orders prevent targeting them unless there is an immediate threat, while lethal strike missions are assigned only to the Israeli air force.'"

Israeli military sources acknowledged - according to the Hebrew report - that the continuation of the stalemate weakens the performance of the forces and erodes what remains of the legitimacy of operations before the international community, especially with images of the victims reaching Washington and Doha. At the same time, Hamas continues to manage the sector through its network of tunnels, police forces, and checkpoints.

Yedioth Ahronoth continues as translated by SadaNews: "Despite U.S. pressure, Hamas shows no readiness to disarm or relinquish its authority, rather it is strengthening its civilian presence by reopening municipalities, building schools and kindergartens, and allowing wedding celebrations, in an attempt to solidify its image of governance and control. Meanwhile, Israel finds itself facing a dilemma: it is required to remove millions of cubic meters of rubble left by its war, potentially through American companies, before starting any reconstruction project, while Hamas continues to exploit the situation to reinforce its grip on the population."

In conclusion, the report reveals that the gap between the American vision for the future of Gaza - towers, airports, and hotels - and the reality of blood and rubble on the ground is still widening day by day, in light of the absence of any indications of real concessions from either side.