A significant breakthrough in the Israel-Hamas conflict has emerged as reports indicate critical progress in ceasefire negotiations. Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from most of Gaza, with a prisoner exchange anticipated within days. US President Donald Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan outlines a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from 70% of Gaza and the release of remaining hostages within several days. An Egyptian source involved in the talks confirmed the agreement for a complete ceasefire and a structured IDF withdrawal from central areas like Gaza City.
The plan also includes Hamas releasing all living hostages within 72 hours of Israeli government approval, with Israel set to free 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since 2023. Trump hailed the breakthrough, stating that the hostages will probably be released on Monday and promising that Gaza will be rebuilt. He emphasized that other countries in the region will contribute to the reconstruction due to their wealth, although he did not specify the nations involved. However, despite these developments, key questions remain regarding the post-war administration of Gaza and the fate of Hamas, which Israel has vowed to completely destroy.
The Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military operation in Gaza has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, according to local officials, and caused unprecedented destruction and a humanitarian disaster in the enclave. While the reported breakthrough could signal a potential end to the conflict, the details of post-war governance and the status of Hamas remain contentious issues that need to be addressed before a lasting peace can be achieved.