A cease-fire deal between Israel and Gaza has been signed, marking a potential end to two years of deadly conflict. The agreement is based on the first phase of President Trump’s proposed plan, but the success of the deal now depends on overcoming four significant challenges that remain unresolved. With Phase 2 of the plan still uncertain, the road to lasting peace is fraught with uncertainty.
David Halbf’inger, our Jerusalem bureau chief, explains that the four main stumbling blocks include the fate of captured Israeli forces, the release of Palestinian prisoners, the future of the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of a lasting ceasefire mechanism. The first phase of the deal has already seen some progress, but the second phase remains under intense scrutiny by international mediators. The deal is seen as a major breakthrough, but its success will depend on the willingness of both sides to compromise further.
While the current agreement provides a temporary ceasefire, the long-term viability of the deal remains uncertain. The international community remains concerned about the potential for renewed violence if the terms are not honored. The situation highlights the complex interplay of regional politics and the challenges of achieving lasting peace in the region.