As Trump proposes ‘take over,’ Gaza stands resolute and defiant

The ceasefire in Gaza, which commenced on 19 January 2025, marks a critical juncture in the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas. Despite minor violations, the truce has facilitated four successful rounds of hostage exchanges so far, with additional exchanges scheduled till the conclusion of Phase 1 on 1 March 2025. By this date, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. As discussions on Phase 2 of the ceasefire commence in Doha, the stakes are high, with potential implications for a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Gaza, having endured unprecedented destruction and loss of life, is gradually witnessing the return of displaced residents. The influx of international aid, although limited, brings a glimmer of hope for the reconstruction of lives and infrastructure. However, statements from Israeli and US officials underscore the fragility of the ceasefire and the uncertainty surrounding the peace process.

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The war in Gaza-story so far

The conflict broke out following a surprise attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023, which prompted Israel to launch a full-scale military response vowing to flatten the Gaza Strip and wipe off Hamas from the map. Over 15 months of intensive bombardment resulted in the destruction of over 80 per cent of Gaza’s infrastructure and the death of more than 47,500 Palestinians.

Israel justified its actions by accusing Hamas of embedding military assets within civilian areas, leading to the targeting of hospitals, schools, and UN facilities. Some estimates suggest that more than 76,000 tonnes of TNT has already been dropped over the Gaza Strip, more than the combined TNT delivered over London, Dresden, and Hamburg in World War 2. By enforcing a complete blockade across the Strip, the population was deprived of life-saving medicines, food, and clean drinking water, leading to worldwide condemnation, with some states even accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.

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The ceasefire, albeit delayed, has provided essential relief to Gaza’s beleaguered population. Hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals are returning to their homes, including Northern Gaza, previously depopulated by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operations. Humanitarian convoys are delivering approximately 600 truckloads of food and medicine, alongside 50 trucks of fuel daily. Additionally, 50 critically ill Palestinians, primarily children, have been permitted to cross into Egypt for medical treatment since 1 February, offering a semblance of hope to affected families.

Hamas’ re-emergence in Gaza post-ceasefire is a significant development. Members of the group, in military attire and brandishing assault rifles, have been observed overseeing hostage exchanges and participating in community rebuilding efforts. With the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) banned from operating in Gaza by Israel, international aid distribution relies heavily on local entities. Hamas’s extensive network and influence have positioned it as a primary facilitator of aid, thereby reinforcing its support base among the civilian population. Reports also indicate that Hamas has recruited approximately 15,000 new members, offsetting wartime losses and strengthening its organizational capacity.

Calls to ‘Clean Out’ Gaza

It is now a well-established fact that it was Donald Trump who through his Middle East Envoy, Steve Witkoff, prevailed upon PM Netanyahu to agree on a ceasefire deal before he assumed the office of US President on 20th January. Having got the deal, Trump is no longer sure of its longevity or future. Speaking to reporters just after his inauguration, he said he is “not confident” that the ceasefire will hold. He added that the ongoing conflict is not of direct concern to the US and “that’s not our war, it’s their war”.

On 25 January, he added more fuel to the fire by calling Gaza a ‘demolition site’ that should be vacated. He called upon Jordan, Egypt and other Arab nations to increase the number of Palestinian refugees they are accepting from the Gaza Strip, suggesting that the 1.5 million population in Gaza should vacate the area to “just clean out” the war-torn area. It drew instant criticism from the region, followed by prompt rejection of the idea by Egypt and Jordan.

Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu became the first foreign dignitary to be hosted by President Trump when he was invited to visit Washington on 3rd February. PM Netanyahu, who agreed to the ceasefire deal under immense pressure from Donald Trump, is expecting a significant return to his loyalty, key being his right to resume the war after Phase 1 ends on 3rd March.

Domestically, Netanyahu faces significant opposition from far-right factions within his coalition. National Security Minister Ben Gvir has resigned in protest against the ceasefire, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to follow suit if hostilities do not recommence after the end of Phase 1 of ceasefire. The resignations of IDF Chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi and Major General Yaron Finkelman, head of Israel’s southern command, further complicate the political landscape.

Trump’s subsequent statement on 4 February, proposing that the US will “take over” and “own” Gaza after resettling Palestinians elsewhere under a plan that would turn Gaza Strip into “the Riviera of the Middle East”, has elicited widespread condemnation. Netanyahu’s visible approval of this proposal contrasted sharply with the unified rejection from regional actors and the defiant stance of Gaza’s residents. Palestinians in Gaza vocally opposed the proposed displacement, asserting their determination to rebuild their lives within their homeland. One Palestinian was quoted to have said, “The Israeli army killed us but we remain in our destroyed houses. We don’t need life outside our land and will not move one meter away from it so he can say whatever he wants — he can’t beat us.” Another old lady, standing in front of the ruins of her home in Northern Gaza, rebuked Trump, stating, “I am waiting to rebuild our house and live in it, and neither Trump nor anybody else matters to us.”

Hamas, too, was prompt in calling out the statement as irresponsible, adding, “We call on the American administration and President Trump to walk back from these irresponsible remarks that contradict international law and the basic rights of our Palestinian people on their land.”

Trump’s authorisation of the delivery of 2,000 lb bombs to Israel, previously halted by the Biden administration due to concerns over civilian casualties, further exacerbates tensions and undermines confidence in the peace process.

The Road Ahead: Phase 2 of the Ceasefire

Negotiations for Phase 2 of the ceasefire are underway, with critical stipulations including the complete withdrawal of IDF forces from Gaza, including the Netzarim corridor, which bisects the Strip, and the Philadelphi corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border. The release of all remaining hostages by Hamas, both living and deceased, is also part of the deal. However, the political rhetoric emanating from Washington and Tel Aviv casts doubt on the ceasefire’s durability. Netanyahu’s domestic challenges and Trump’s obligation to reciprocate Israel’s compliance with the ceasefire have created an environment of uncertainty.

Resilience of Gaza

Despite the geopolitical complexities, the people of Gaza are demonstrating remarkable resilience. An estimated 600,000 individuals are projected to return to Northern Gaza by the end of Phase 1, with many others resettling across the Strip. Efforts to rebuild hospitals and restore essential services are underway, supported by the gradual influx of humanitarian aid. Hamas, too is rising from the ruins like a phoenix and is reconnecting its re-engagement with the community further underscores the local dynamics shaping Gaza’s recovery.

Regional actors, including Egypt and Jordan, have steadfastly refused to accept additional Palestinian refugees, reinforcing the right of Palestinians to remain in their homeland. Saudi Arabia’s insistence on resolving the Palestinian issue as a precondition for normalization with Israel further highlights regional solidarity with Gaza’s populace.

Looking Ahead

>Gaza and its people, which have been witness to many a war, are once again proving the futility of war in solving the issue. Their collective defiance to any proposals of vacating Gaza permanently and the firm resolve to rebuild their lives from the ruins of their homes and the deaths of their loved ones, shines well above the continued threats of war and displacement.

Also, any attempt to resume military operations will require a big enough violation or provocation from Hamas, which is unlikely as it is in the process of regrouping and rebuilding. Any military operation against over 600,000 thousand people who are now returning to Northern Gaza will not only be difficult but may well put a permanent end to hopes of a conflict resolution.

For President Trump, the legacy of owning a renewed conflict in Gaza would be a considerable political liability. For PM Netanyahu, the outcome of the conflict and ceasefire may well define his political future. The path forward hinges on sustained diplomatic engagement and a commitment to addressing the underlying causes of the conflict.

The future of the ceasefire and the broader peace process meanwhile remains uncertain, shaped by the interplay of resilience of Gaza, regional dynamics and international political undercurrents.

Col Rajeev Agarwal is a West Asia expert and a Senior Research Consultant at Chintan Research Foundation, New Delhi. His X Handle is @rajeev1421. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.