A crucial ceasefire and hostage deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas, marking a significant turning point after two years of intense conflict in Gaza. Negotiated in Egypt with substantial international backing, this agreement offers a glimmer of hope for an end to hostilities.
However, the journey towards lasting peace is far from over. Key details, including the disarmament of Hamas and the extent of Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, are still being finalized, leaving a degree of uncertainty about the definitive end of the war.
The personal involvement of US President Donald Trump has been instrumental in this diplomatic success. Facing pressure from Trump, both Hamas and Israel have engaged in the negotiations, with the US President keen to be recognized for brokering an end to the prolonged conflict.
The current conflict stems from the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military operations in Gaza have led to widespread devastation, with the health ministry in Gaza reporting over 67,000 Palestinian casualties, many of whom were civilians, including over 18,000 children. The offensive has also caused a severe humanitarian crisis, destroying much of the territory’s infrastructure.
The newly agreed-upon plan represents the initial phase of a broader strategy announced by President Trump. His administration reportedly grew impatient with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s past reluctance to commit to peace initiatives, leveraging American influence to ensure Israeli participation.
Hamas, under considerable pressure and facing the prospect of “complete obliteration” according to Trump, also saw the necessity of engaging. The deal was welcomed by Arab and Muslim nations, with significant diplomatic efforts from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
While the exact terms are yet to be fully disclosed, the initial phase is expected to involve the release of hostages believed to be alive, possibly as early as Sunday. Additionally, the remains of deceased captives will be returned, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be freed, Israeli forces will withdraw from certain areas of Gaza, and humanitarian aid will increase.
The impetus for this deal intensified following a failed Israeli operation to neutralize senior Hamas officials involved in the negotiations. This incident sparked widespread anger, even among some of Israel’s allies, creating an opening that the Trump administration was quick to exploit.
Trump, who has publicly expressed a desire for a Nobel Peace Prize, may have been influenced by the upcoming announcement of the award. He described the agreement as a “historic and unprecedented event” and the “first steps toward a strong, durable and everlasting peace.”
Despite this progress, the path forward remains complex. Key issues such as Hamas’s disarmament, the scope of Israeli withdrawal, and the future governance of Gaza still require resolution. Palestinians in Gaza have celebrated the announcement, yearning for an end to their suffering, while in Tel Aviv, people gathered at Hostages Square to express their hopes and anxieties.
Hamas faces a dilemma: releasing hostages means relinquishing significant leverage, and they are seeking assurances that Israel will not resume military action. Suspicion remains, given past instances where ceasefires were broken.
In Israel, a nation weary of the ongoing conflict, public opinion polls consistently indicate a desire for peace. Israelis are increasingly conscious of the international criticism and the damage to the country’s reputation, making a prolonged war a less appealing prospect.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, who relies on support from ultranationalist ministers who have threatened to leave his coalition over a deal, may still encounter political obstacles. While his government’s collapse remains a concern, the approaching October 2026 election provides a degree of political flexibility.
Netanyahu has pledged to achieve “total victory” against Hamas, and any agreement must align with this stated objective. He has hailed the announcement as a “diplomatic and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel,” notably refraining from declaring that the war would end with this deal.