In the wake of Hamas’ horrific attack on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli military operation and resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the United States will need to take proactive steps to secure the release of hostages, peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and a path to two states living in dignity and security. While affirming Israel’s right to defend itself, Washington must reject any attempts to forcibly displace populations or use the withholding of humanitarian assistance as a tool of war, which are violations of international law, or to change the territorial status quo in Gaza or the West Bank. The U.S. should also join with our allies in insisting that Israelis and Palestinians alike enjoy equal rights under the law.
Call on Congress to support diplomatic steps to end the war in Gaza and to reject the forced displacement of populations, withholding of humanitarian assistance, and unilateral territorial changes in Gaza or the West Bank.
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In January 2026, the Trump administration declared the start of “phase two” of the Gaza ceasefire deal, a continuation of the 20-point peace plan put forth by President Trump that led to the initial ceasefire in October 2025. This phase will focus on demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction, led by a newly established National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and Board of Peace chaired by President Trump. The committee met for the first time in February where President Trump pledged a U.S. contribution of $10 billion for reconstruction.
Despite the advancement to “phase two” the situation in Gaza remains extremely tenuous. Key portions of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement have been met—including the return of all hostages (living and deceased), a partial Israeli pullback, and a limited re-opening of the Rafah border crossing. Other provisions—including full humanitarian access—are incomplete. Intermittent violence has also continued with more than 250 Palestinians killed by IDF soldiers near the withdrawal line since the ceasefire began.
Lasting peace will require extensive negotiations on the many unresolved issues around the future of Gaza and the role of Hamas. The Trump administration’s plan calls for the disarmament of Hamas fighters and a temporary transitional government, while rejecting forced displacement of Gazans and committing Israel to not occupy or annex Gaza. In September 2025, President Trump similarly voiced opposition to Israeli efforts to annex the West Bank for the first time. Despite his statements, in February 2026, the U.S embassy in Jerusalem announced plans to open consular offices in Efrat and Beitar Illit, Jewish settlements in the West Bank, thereby lending the settlements legitimacy. The Israeli government has also continued to move forward with approvals for new settlement construction even as settler violence in the West Bank has reached record highs.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to bypass Congressional holds and move forward with unrestricted arms sales to Israel, including 2,000-pound bombs that have been connected to civilian harm. In July, a majority of Senate Democrats voted in support of a resolution to block the sale of certain offensive weapons to the Israeli government, perhaps reflecting the shifting views of the American public, who now support limiting military aid by a significant margin (60-32).
