Two years later, a deal has finally been reached. After two years of what seemed to be an endless war between Israel and Hamas, President Trump, along with Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, has brokered a 20-step cease-fire peace deal between Israel and Hamas. Under the deal, Hamas released the remaining 20 living hostages as well as transferred the remains of the dead captives. In return, Israel agreed to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, among whom 250 were serving life sentences.
Besides the exchange, one of the 20 phases includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli military forces from populated areas of Gaza and the establishment of U.N.-organized humanitarian corridors to allow aid delivery into Gaza. The current deal is one of many to come, as many core and deeply contested issues are still unresolved, including questions of Hamas disarmament, long-term Gazan governance, and any, if any, compensation for reconstruction.
U.S. President Donald Trump described this moment as a “historic day” that was “due for over 3,000 years.” He has declared the war “over,” as he takes in praise from many influential figures and political leaders from all aisles.
However, experts caution that this truce is fragile. Previous cease-fires have been broken, and enforcement of the new one will depend on discipline from both sides and sustained diplomatic pressure from the United States on Israel and Qatar on Hamas.
Reactions to the cease-fire have been mixed as well. Many in Israel rejoiced at the return of the hostages, and many in Gaza celebrated the release of their own prisoners as well as the prospective end to the bombardment. However, violence in Gaza has not stopped, as armed local clans have now started clashing with Hamas as a chance for a power grab has arisen. Already, just hours after the signing of the peace deal, hundreds of reports have emerged of Hamas and violent clans fighting each other in major cities.
It is almost guaranteed that updates on this historic peace deal will be abundant and will be shared instantaneously with the world, as everyone is on their toes, hoping that this cease-fire will finally last.