A stream of senior US officials is en route to Israel, hoping to prevent the collapse of the next phase of the Trump administration's Gaza peace plan.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in Israel today to mediate the issue of the Israeli hostages' remains. Vice President JD Vance is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss an interim arrangement that would divide the Gaza Strip into two zones of administration until Hamas relinquishes power.
Hamas, which had returned two more deceased hostages to Israel, is stalling, claiming it needs engineering tools and external assistance to locate additional remains. Israeli officials maintain that Hamas has access to at least eight more bodies and is intentionally delaying their release to allow Turkish experts, key Hamas allies, into Gaza.
Surprised by Qatar strike
Witkoff's visit follows an interview on CBS's "60 Minutes" with him and former White House adviser Jared Kushner, where both expressed surprise and a sense of betrayal over the strike in Doha. Kushner said that Trump felt compelled to stop Israeli actions that might have irreversible consequences.
Israeli officials have not responded publicly but are reportedly furious over the remarks. As previously reported by Israel Hayom, security sources confirmed that the US was informed about the strike beforehand and was not caught off guard. The criticism of Netanyahu from the two top US negotiators reflects growing pressure from the Biden administration on Israel to avoid harsh punitive measures in response to Hamas violations. It also signals US intent to hold intermediary countries—Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar—to their commitments to ensure that Hamas hands over its weapons and control of the Gaza Strip.
While Witkoff is expected to urge Israel to exercise restraint, Netanyahu preemptively declared that the Rafah crossing would remain closed until further notice. "Its reopening will be considered based on Hamas' fulfillment of its obligations regarding the return of the hostages' remains," the Prime Minister's Office said. Additional planned measures include blocking the entry of reconstruction equipment, machinery, and materials intended for rebuilding homes and factories in Gaza.
According to a senior US official, Vance's visit to Israel is motivated by the complexity of the situation and concerns that the implementation of the plan could stall. He is expected to discuss the details of the next phase, including the composition of the multinational force slated to enter Gaza, the transfer of governance from Hamas, and the disarmament process.
Israel Hayom has learned that discussions are currently focused on a medium- to short-term transitional phase, during which it is unclear who will govern the areas under Israel Defense Forces control, as the Hamas-run zone is already experiencing administrative chaos. One proposal being considered is to turn the Israeli-controlled area into a pilot reconstruction model, where schools, clinics, public facilities, organized tent encampments and mobile housing, and essential infrastructure—sewage, water, electricity—would be built, funded by countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
The expectation is that many residents of Hamas-controlled areas will seek to move to this reconstructed zone and the new humanitarian areas, which may become their home for an extended period during the rebuilding phase.
Two zone Gaza plan
On the ground, development work is already underway in the quiet southern parts of Gaza. Additional families and clans from both the south and north have reportedly approached Israel and Emirati representatives, requesting similar efforts in their areas. The practical outcome of this is a de facto division of the Gaza Strip into two zones of control, at least until the next stage of the deal, which still appears distant.
An Arab diplomatic source told Israel Hayom that a significant disagreement exists over who will lead the reconstruction efforts. Egypt seeks to take the lead, partly due to the lucrative contracts involved in establishing these humanitarian zones. However, Gulf states—Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia—oppose this, each for its own reasons. As previously reported, the Saudis have made it clear that they will not engage until Hamas begins disarming.
