The US-Israel Gaza Talks have collapsed over a deepening dispute regarding Hamas disarmament, threatening President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. Israel insists on full demilitarization before reconstruction, while Washington pushes for phase-two progress. The breakdown risks destabilizing Gaza’s fragile ceasefire and regional security.
US-Israel Gaza Talks Collapse as Hamas Disarmament Dispute Halts Peace Plan Progress
TheInterviewTimes.com | 16 November 2025: The US-Israel Gaza Talks suffered a major collapse after negotiations between Washington and Jerusalem broke down over the core question of Hamas disarmament. The failure sharply raises uncertainty over the next phase of President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, which seeks to rebuild Gaza under a new, internationally supervised authority.
Israeli officials insist that no step toward reconstruction can begin unless Hamas is fully and verifiably disarmed, while the United States has pushed to accelerate governance and rebuilding to stabilize the region. The impasse has triggered renewed geopolitical tensions and placed the fragile ceasefire under strain.
Israel Rejects Phase Two Without Full Hamas Disarmament
According to Israeli media, Washington aimed to move into phase two of Trump’s plan, focusing on reconstruction, governance, and humanitarian infrastructure. However, Israeli leaders refused to proceed, arguing that Hamas still maintains control in parts of Gaza, including Rafah, and has expanded influence since the ceasefire began.
A senior Israeli official described the situation as “the worst yet,” warning that Hamas fighters remain entrenched, especially in underground tunnel networks. Israel maintains that initiating reconstruction before demilitarization would allow Hamas to regroup militarily, undermining long-term security.
The issue was further complicated by Washington’s inability to assemble the 20,000-strong International Stabilization Force originally tasked with overseeing security, disarmament, and governance transition. Many partner countries expressed willingness to join as peacekeepers but not as a force responsible for direct disarmament—an essential element of the plan’s framework.
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US-Israel Gaza Talks: US Pushes Diplomatic Pressure as UN Vote Approaches
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz issued a sharp warning that rejecting the US-backed Security Council resolution authorizing the security force “equates to siding with Hamas or prolonging conflict.” The resolution is expected to reach a vote soon and is seen as a pivotal moment determining whether the peace plan maintains international legitimacy.
In parallel, Russia has circulated a competing UN resolution that acknowledges the ceasefire but does not endorse Trump’s plan or authorize a stabilization force. Diplomatic observers note that Moscow’s move could divide key international actors, delaying consensus needed for any viable security transition.
Hamas Consolidates Control Amid Diplomatic Paralysis
While the US-Israel Gaza Talks remain frozen, Hamas has expanded administrative control across parts of Gaza. Local reports indicate the group has imposed new fees on imported goods—including fuel and cigarettes—and fined merchants for alleged price violations. Such assertive governance raises concerns that Hamas is strengthening its de facto rule in the absence of a transitional authority.
Experts warn that if Hamas continues consolidating power, implementing any peace plan—whether American-led or internationally brokered—will become increasingly difficult.
Background: What Trump’s 20-Point Gaza Plan Intended
Announced in October 2025, the Gaza peace plan outlines a phased approach intended to end hostilities, disarm Hamas, and rebuild Gaza through a new civilian government. Key stages include:
- A ceasefire and partial Israeli withdrawal
- Prisoner exchanges and humanitarian corridors
- Complete Hamas disarmament
- Deployment of a multinational security force
- Reconstruction and political reforms toward Palestinian statehood
While the ceasefire has held since October with limited humanitarian relief entering Gaza, the shift toward reconstruction has triggered major disagreements.
Israel demands full demilitarization before rebuilding, citing security concerns. The US argues that reconstruction is necessary to stabilize Gaza, reduce desperation, and empower moderate governance structures. The gap between the two positions has now widened into a diplomatic deadlock.
International partners remain hesitant about joining a disarmament-focused force, and Russia’s alternative proposal deepens geopolitical divides.
The breakdown of the US-Israel Gaza Talks underscores the immense complexity of peacemaking in Gaza, where military, political, and humanitarian priorities sit in constant tension.
US-Israel Gaza Talks: Key Takeaways
- The US-Israel Gaza Talks collapsed due to a core dispute over Hamas disarmament.
- Israel demands full demilitarization before any reconstruction begins.
- The US seeks early reconstruction to stabilize Gaza and support governance reform.
- Hamas has strengthened local control during the diplomatic stalemate.
- International divisions, including Russia’s rival UN proposal, further complicate the peace plan’s future.