Hamas and Israel have agreed on the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, marking what many see as a breakthrough in a long and complex process. The initial deal includes the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to agreed positions within the territory. Although limited in scope, the agreement is viewed as a crucial first step towards Mr Trump’s broader 20-point strategy for stabilising Gaza and establishing a long-term peace framework in the region.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that while he remains sceptical of the Palestinian Authority’s ability to deradicalise the population, the transitional arrangement proposed by Washington may offer a path forward. Central to the plan is the creation of a stabilisation force and the gradual reintroduction of aid, alongside early discussions about a future Palestinian state. The withdrawal lines presented by the White House were reportedly more acceptable to Hamas, requiring the Israel Defence Forces to retreat from Gaza City and other key strongholds.
Despite this tentative progress, challenges remain. Israel is expected to maintain control over the flow of aid into Gaza, while questions persist about which nations will take responsibility for rebuilding the Strip’s shattered infrastructure. The inclusion of a Palestinian-led transitional authority, supported by Arab partners, is seen as one of the more controversial elements of the plan, particularly within Israel’s right-wing coalition. Nonetheless, both Washington and several Arab governments have emphasised that Gaza’s reconstruction must come hand in hand with security guarantees and transparent international oversight.
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Economic incentives form another pillar of Mr Trump’s proposal, with Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE pledging billions of pounds towards reconstruction efforts. Yet key issues remain unresolved, including the fate of Gazans who wish to emigrate and the mechanisms for verifying demilitarisation. Independent monitors will play a vital role in ensuring compliance, as Israel retains the right to intervene should security concerns arise. While the plan still faces significant political and logistical hurdles, its first phase signals a cautious yet notable step towards what could become the most ambitious peace initiative in the region in years.
