Once this reality sinks in, improvements can begin. Critically, President Trump can stop the drift to an ugly status quo for Gaza

Trump’s stage one of peace in Gaza has essentially been achieved as the last hostage’s body has been returned to Israel, and the border crossing between Israel and Egypt is open, if only partially. Unfortunately, little preparation has been done for stage two, including the introduction of a multi-national security force, the disarmament of Hamas, and the departure of the Israeli military. The reason is that none of these is remotely likely to occur. Wishful thinking and any number of worldly statements won’t make it so.

A realistic plan must replace the delusions

Coupling Israeli occupation to the disarmament of Hamas almost ensures the yellow line (defining the Israeli—occupied half of Gaza) becomes a lasting boundary of Israel. Skirmishes will continue, despite the official ceasefire, because Gaza remains a torn and unstable zone of competing armed factions, not only of Hamas. And, further killings of Israeli soldiers will trigger retaliation against........

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