Gaza
By Olamilekan Tosin
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal that aims to end the two-year-long war in Gaza. The agreement, brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, includes a hostage-prisoner exchange and an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave.
According to the deal, Hamas will release 20 living hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, with the swap expected to happen within 72 hours of the deal’s implementation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would bring the hostages home “with God’s help,” and his cabinet is set to approve the deal.
US President Donald Trump announced the agreement, stating that all hostages would be released “very soon” and Israel would withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line. Trump described the deal as a “GREAT Day” for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, and the United States.
The agreement is part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which aims to establish a lasting peace in the region. The plan includes an immediate end to military operations, the release of all hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Hamas has refused to discuss disarmament, a key Israeli demand, and has insisted on guarantees from the US and other mediators that Israel will fully implement the agreement. The group has also rejected any role for foreign rule in Gaza, instead proposing a technocratic government supervised by the Palestinian Authority and backed by Arab and Muslim countries.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, with over 67,000 people killed in Gaza and widespread destruction. The agreement has been welcomed by global leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has called for all sides to abide by the terms of the hostage agreement ¹ ² ³.
The deal’s success depends on resolving outstanding issues, including the fate of Hamas and the post-war administration of Gaza. Arab countries backing the plan emphasize that it must lead to eventual independence for a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu has ruled out.
Despite the optimism, previous ceasefire efforts have often faltered, and the agreement’s long-term viability remains uncertain. The international community, including the US, Egypt, and Qatar, will play a crucial role in ensuring the deal’s implementation and sustainability.
