The Middle East and beyond are feeling a strong sense of relief as news emerges that a ceasefire in Gaza is on the horizon. Negotiators have emphasized that the agreement, struck in the early hours in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, marks the initial phase of a broader deal to permanently end the war. The fragility of this first phase is evident, as any perceived backtracking by Israel or Hamas on their commitments could jeopardize the ceasefire.
In Gaza, Palestinians have endured immense suffering and loss, while Israeli families with loved ones held captive by Hamas for two years are navigating a mix of relief and anxiety. Mahmoud Abdallah from Deir al-Balah expressed a rollercoaster of emotions, highlighting the fear of hoping only to face disappointment. Similarly, Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod was taken captive, described his family’s state of uncertainty, awaiting the moment they can reunite with their loved one.
The initial agreement hinges on the release of all living Israeli hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire commencement, with the release of additional bodies possibly taking longer. Moreover, 250 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and 1,700 Gazans held by Israel during the conflict are set to be freed, while humanitarian aid is expected to resume flowing into Gaza.
Although U.S. President Donald Trump has touted the agreement as a step towards “eternal peace,” critical details remain unresolved. Key issues include the extent of Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas’ disarmament stance, and governance plans for the region. The proposed “Board of Peace,” led by Trump and Tony Blair, aims to oversee future developments, alongside the potential involvement of an international security force.
The Trump plan defers discussions on Palestinian statehood, prompting concerns among Palestinians and Arab nations advocating for a credible pathway to statehood. The unresolved final status issues from past peace processes underscore the complexity of reaching a lasting resolution, requiring sustained international engagement and pressure.
Longtime Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti acknowledges the plan’s shortcomings but sees its potential to alleviate immediate suffering in Gaza. While the agreement addresses concerns like ethnic cleansing, Barghouti stresses the importance of negotiating other critical points to achieve a comprehensive solution.
As history has shown, delays in negotiations increase the risk of talks collapsing before a resolution is reached, highlighting the need for continued efforts and international support to secure lasting peace in the region.