Trump declares 'phase two' of Gaza plan imminent despite continued violence

US President Donald Trump indicated that the next stage of his administration's plan for Gaza is poised to begin in the near future, making the declaration even as violence flared anew in the region. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, Trump stated, "Phase two of his Gaza plan is going to happen pretty soon," though he declined to provide a specific timeline. His optimistic assessment came shortly after Israeli strikes in the southern Gaza Strip, which he acknowledged had "probably killed some people," in what Palestinian sources described as a breach of the ceasefire with Hamas.

A claim of peace amid ongoing conflict

President Trump's characterization of the situation stood in stark contrast to the day's events on the ground. He asserted, "It's going on very well. We have peace in the Middle East. People don't realize it," a claim immediately challenged by the reported casualties from Israeli airstrikes. The attacks followed a threat from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to respond after soldiers were injured in clashes with Palestinian fighters in the city of Rafah. This juxtaposition highlights the fragile and contested nature of the current truce and the ambitious political roadmap being promoted by Washington.

The structure of the US-backed plan

The proposed plan, as understood from US and Israeli outlines, is structured in phases. The initial phase involves a hostage and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, a process that has seen intermittent progress. Subsequent phases are envisioned to address the monumental task of reconstructing the devastated Gaza Strip and establishing a new governing mechanism that excludes Hamas. The conflict, which began in October 2023, has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 70,000 fatalities, predominantly women and children, and hundreds of thousands injured.

Regional reactions and Türkiye's stance

The announcement and the ongoing violence are being closely monitored by regional powers, including Türkiye. Ankara has consistently condemned the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza and criticized what it views as insufficient international pressure on Israel. Türkiye's foreign policy prioritizes a lasting two-state solution and has positioned the nation as a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights. The disconnect between high-level diplomatic pronouncements and the reality of continuing violence on the ground reinforces Türkiye's argument that a sustainable peace requires a fundamental change in approach and greater accountability.