Trump’s plan launches from Rafah: reconstruction and a ‘day-after’ model free of Hamas control

The U.S. administration is seeking to move forward with implementing the second phase of its plan to end the war in Gaza by establishing a “day-after” model in the city of Rafah that includes clearing rubble, beginning reconstruction, and deploying Palestinian security forces not affiliated with Hamas to take on field duties, two senior advisers to President Donald Trump said.

The advisers said Washington’s immediate focus is preventing new clashes between the Israeli military and Hamas along the “yellow line” to which Israeli forces withdrew, coordinating delivery of humanitarian aid, and continuing efforts to locate the bodies of the kidnapped. They added that the plan aims to demonstrate an alternative model of safe civilian life and available services in areas not under the movement’s control.

The two officials confirmed that reconstruction will not include areas controlled by Hamas, and that funds and investments will be directed only to areas considered “free of the movement’s control.” On that basis, Washington is using the city of Rafah as a pilot for rubble removal and rebuilding, taking advantage of the fact that it is currently an area under Israeli military control, they said.

The United States is also working to support the formation of an “international stabilization force” to help maintain security during the post-war phase; sources said several countries have expressed willingness to contribute troops, including Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Azerbaijan and others. At the same time, Washington is in talks with Egypt and regional states to prepare for temporary administration of the Gaza Strip through a technocratic government mechanism or temporary structures to manage services and reconstruction.

The advisers noted that the issue of disarming Hamas remains a complex challenge that will take time; factions cannot be asked to surrender weapons all at once, and a gradual process is required that includes security and political solutions acceptable to both sides. They said the U.S. goal is to prevent the reestablishment of Hamas as a force capable of threatening Israel again, while also protecting civilians and preventing internal fighting or settling of scores among factions inside the Strip.

Sources said the U.S. plan also includes exploring options to shelter or provide “safe havens” for Palestinians who may feel threatened by Hamas practices in certain areas, and that Israel has shown readiness to cooperate on this by using territory under its control.

In sum, Washington’s initiatives reflect a mix of objectives: restoring security and stability, implementing reconstruction focused on areas free of Hamas control, and attempting to present a practical model aimed at reducing popular support for the movement by improving living conditions and services in rebuilt areas.