Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned that Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza jeopardize the implementation of the second phase of the peace process. Speaking through Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa at the 39th annual summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Abbas urged the international community to pressure Israel to remove obstacles that hinder the National Committee for Gaza's governance from operating effectively. This includes ensuring necessary humanitarian support and facilitating early recovery efforts in the region.

Abbas highlighted the severe impacts of ongoing violence during his address, pointing out that over 500 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire was established, raising concerns about the sustainability of the peace process and subsequent negotiations. He emphasized the urgent need for Israel to respect the terms of the agreement to ensure the safety and welfare of the Gazan population and to secure stable governance as the second phase approaches.

The U.S. transition to the second phase of the Trump administration’s plan, which involves phased military withdrawal from Gaza, underscores the complexity of the situation, as it relies heavily on security conditions that are being undermined by current events. Fulfilling these objectives requires not only a halt to physical violence from Israel but also a broader commitment to rebuilding governance and infrastructure in Gaza, which is critical for any peace prospects moving forward.