Israel and Hamas have reached a historic first-phase ceasefire, brokered by the US and regional mediators, sparking cautious optimism for ending two years of violence in Gaza amid international diplomacy and regional shifts.
In a significant development heralding a potential end to one of the Middle East’s longest and bloodiest conflicts, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a U.S.-brokered peace deal aimed at bringing a ceasefire to the two-year war...
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in Gaza. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, in an exclusive interview with Fox News, attributed the breakthrough to a combination of “luck” and “talent,” crediting the unprecedented global cooperation that helped secure the agreement after months of deadlock. He noted that “the whole world came together,” including unexpected countries, to support the peace initiative, reflecting a rare moment of international unity for the region.
The accord, announced shortly after the solemn two-year anniversary of the deadly October 7, 2023, Hamas attack which precipitated the conflict, includes critical components such as the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops to a mutually agreed line. According to Trump’s statements and confirmation from multiple sources, Hamas is expected to release about 20 living hostages within days of the ceasefire’s inception, while Israel plans to begin military withdrawal from much of Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to convene his government to formally approve this deal, marking the start of a delicate peace process.
The agreement is part of Trump’s broader 20-point peace plan and has involved extensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey—countries whose involvement Trump singled out as crucial. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, played key roles in the negotiations held in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, joining regional mediators to hammer out the agreement. These efforts appear to have persuaded both sides to accept terms that emphasize humanitarian relief, prisoner exchanges, and the reopening of essential crossings for aid delivery.
Importantly, the deal stipulates Israel’s partial military redeployment from Gaza and the release of several Palestinian prisoners, including women, children, and long-term detainees. Hamas has secured guarantees, reportedly from the U.S., Arab mediators, and Turkey, that the war is definitively over—a significant assertion coming from Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’ exiled Gaza chief. The ceasefire includes provisions for a “Temporary International Stabilization Force,” with financial backing from wealthy nations to help maintain peace and aid reconstruction.
The human toll of the conflict is staggering, with Gaza’s Hamas-run Ministry of Health reporting more than 67,000 Palestinians killed—figures which do not distinguish between combatants and civilians—and thousands injured. On the Israeli side, official counts put deaths from the initial Hamas attack and ongoing hostilities at over 1,200, with 251 hostages taken, though only around 20 are believed to be alive today.
While the ceasefire deal has been widely welcomed by hostage advocacy groups and international leaders—including endorsements from Vladimir Putin, Emmanuel Macron, and even condemned by former U.S. presidents acknowledging its historic potential—questions remain about its durability and political implications. Some analysts and reports from outlets like Le Monde have expressed scepticism, noting that the agreement lacks firm guarantees, particularly regarding Hamas’ disarmament and long-term governance. Hamas itself remains cautious, framing its role more as ideological resistance than as a political authority prepared to enforce peace fully.
Moreover, the role of economic interests and regional diplomacy has added a complex layer to the peace process. Reports from Norwegian media highlight that Trump’s close ties with wealthy Gulf states, which are set to finance Gaza’s reconstruction, have created a new strategic dynamic. This alliance potentially shifts power balances regionally and may lead to political consequences both in Israel and among Palestinians, where fragmented leadership and the influence of extremist factions pose ongoing risks.
The ceasefire deal also faces immediate practical challenges. Israeli airstrikes continued even shortly before the ceasefire, and displaced Palestinians struggle to return home amid lingering security concerns. The logistics of hostage releases remain complicated given the devastation in Gaza, with some captives reportedly buried under rubble or held in contested areas.
Despite these uncertainties, the announcement represents a remarkable diplomatic feat and a tentative step towards lasting peace in a region long wracked by violence. Trump has indicated plans to travel to Israel and Egypt to support the ongoing implementation of the deal, while Israel prepares for a governmental vote to ratify the ceasefire.
For many, the agreement holds the promise of a renewed chapter in the fraught Israeli-Palestinian relationship—one where decades of hostility might yield to reconstruction and reconciliation. For others, it is a fragile truce that must overcome deep-rooted mistrust and political complexities to fulfill its historic potential. The coming days will be critical as parties move from agreement on paper to tangible peace on the ground.
Source: Noah Wire Services
