A significant announcement regarding a deal between Israel and Hamas has sparked optimism that two years of violent conflict might come to a close.
President Trump has hailed the deal as a “major breakthrough,” declaring it on Thursday.
He underscored the international backing for this agreement and hinted at the potential for achieving “lasting” peace in the Middle East.
Yet, many challenges lie ahead, and there are substantial doubts about the current arrangement.
Here are five key takeaways.
Relief for All Parties Involved
The most apparent benefits are crucial. This agreement holds the promise of alleviating the suffering of many people.
The Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and 250 people taken hostage.
In the two years following that, over 67,000 Palestinians are reported to have died due to Israeli strikes in Gaza. Many Gazans also face starvation; last month, local health officials noted at least 440 deaths, with 147 being children.
The recently announced agreement reportedly includes the release of all Israeli hostages who are alive, as well as the remains of those who didn’t survive.
The total count is believed to be around 48 individuals, with about 20 still alive. Trump expressed his anticipation for the hostages to be freed by Monday or Tuesday.
This deal seems to encompass a halt of hostilities along with Israel committing to releasing some Palestinian prisoners, a number of whom are held without charges.
A senior official from Hamas indicated in a televised statement that the U.S. has promised to end the conflict for good.
“Today, we declare that we have reached an agreement to end war and aggression against our people,” Khalil al-Haya’a said, according to reports.
The cessation of violence, the influx of aid into Gaza, and the return of hostages would mark significant advancements.
Trump’s Major Triumph
Only time will tell if the President’s faith in achieving lasting peace is justified, although history isn’t particularly encouraging in this regard.
Regardless, this “Phase 1” deal represents a notable achievement for Trump.
He appears to be pressing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to go along, while also encouraging Arab nations, including Egypt and the Gulf states, to put pressure on Hamas.
Trump has openly expressed his aspiration to win a Nobel Peace Prize. The announcement for this year’s recipients is set for Friday morning, and it would be quite surprising if he were chosen, in part due to his controversial worldview that doesn’t align well with the award committee in Norway.
Former President Obama was the most recent American laureate, receiving the award in 2009, a decision that drew its own share of controversy.
Interestingly, Trump seems to be closer to securing peace in Gaza compared to what his predecessor, Biden, managed during his tenure.
Biden’s perceived hesitance to pressure Israel has led to frustration among progressive and pro-Palestinian circles, contributing to dissatisfaction during the previous presidential election.
Unresolved Questions Remain
Numerous uncertainties linger, particularly regarding some of the more intricate aspects of the conflict.
Initially, there’s a lack of clarity around the specific terms agreed upon by Israel and Hamas.
Currently, no public documents clearly differentiate this “Phase 1” deal from the broader 20-point peace plan Trump unveiled on September 29.
This plan included issues that appear far from resolution.
In addition to whether a ceasefire can transform into enduring peace, the 20-point agreement also requires Hamas to disarm.
Furthermore, the U.S. roadmap proposes an establishment of a Trump-led “peace commission” that would supervise a “non-political Palestinian commission” with international experts managing everyday matters in Gaza.
Hamas has yet to offer any statements regarding the disarmament. Osama Hamdan, a senior figure in the group, remarked on Thursday that “None of the Palestinians will accept a peace committee.”
This ambiguity opens the door for hardliners on both sides to obstruct efforts toward a more lasting peace.
Political Turmoil in Israel
The announcement of the deal ignited celebrations in Israel, with anticipation soaring as the hostages seemed set to be released soon.
However, not everyone is pleased.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir stated that his Jewish Power party would not endorse the agreement.
Having been previously convicted of supporting far-right extremism, Ben Gvir is viewed as one of Netanyahu’s most hardline allies, alongside Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Smotrich also opposes the deal.
That said, the Israeli cabinet is expected to approve the agreement.
As criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza escalates, some within Israel are growing wary of the nation’s increasing isolation. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Accusations of genocide against Palestinians are widespread, a claim which Netanyahu strongly denies.
Regardless, Trump seems to be attempting to bolster Netanyahu’s political capital.
“He’s much more popular today than he was five days ago,” Trump remarked on Thursday.
Trump’s Upcoming Middle East Tour
Before Thursday’s Cabinet gathering, Trump indicated his intention to travel to Egypt in the near future for a ceremony related to the deal.
If this visit materializes, it’s likely that he’ll also speak at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.
While plans for the trip are still being finalized, it’s clear that it represents a chance for Trump to bask in what seems to be a significant success, at least for the moment.
