A sense of relief is spreading throughout the Middle East and beyond as reports suggest a ceasefire in Gaza is on the horizon. Negotiators emphasize that the agreement, forged in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, marks the initial step towards a comprehensive deal to permanently halt the conflict. However, the fragility of this first phase poses a risk, as any perceived breaches by Israel or Hamas could jeopardize the ceasefire.
The anticipation of the ceasefire brings mixed emotions for Palestinians in Gaza and Israeli families. For Palestinians enduring hardship and loss, and for Israeli families with loved ones held captive, anxiety mingles with hope. Mahmoud Abdallah, a 27-year-old in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, expressed his apprehensions about holding onto hope after past disappointments. Similarly, Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod was captured by Hamas, shared his family’s feeling of being in limbo, awaiting the reunion with their loved one.
The initial agreement hinges on the release of all Israeli hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire commencement, with the recovery of 28 bodies potentially taking longer. Additionally, 250 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and 1,700 Gazans held by Israel during the conflict are slated for release. The agreement also paves the way for vital aid to flow back into Gaza.
While U.S. President Donald Trump touts the potential for “eternal peace” through his 20-point plan, critical details remain unresolved. Questions linger on the extent of Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas’s disarmament, and the governance of Gaza post-ceasefire. The Trump plan envisions a “Board of Peace” led by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, with the involvement of an international security force.
Despite the positive step of the ceasefire, unresolved final status issues such as Palestinian statehood, displaced refugees’ rights, and Jerusalem’s status loom large. The international community’s sustained engagement, particularly from the U.S. and key Middle Eastern nations, will be crucial in addressing these deep-rooted challenges.
Longtime Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti, while acknowledging the plan’s immediate relief for Gaza, highlighted its shortcomings in addressing long-term Palestinian aspirations. While the agreement rejects the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza, Barghouti stressed the importance of further negotiations on key aspects of the deal to achieve lasting peace.
