Breakthrough in Gaza: Parties Agree to Phase One Despite Lingering Concerns

The route used by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to flee the most intense areas of the war, on Monday.Credit...Saher Alghorra for The New York Times

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Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza celebrating after the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan, in Tel Aviv, on Thursday.Credit...Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

Breakthrough in Gaza: Parties Agree to Phase One Despite Lingering Concerns

Patricia Romero - International
Tell Us USA News Network

In a major breakthrough announced just hours ago, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a comprehensive peace deal aimed at ending the devastating two-year war in Gaza. President Donald Trump announced the agreement on social media, with leaders from both sides confirming their acceptance of the initial terms.

The agreement marks a significant turning point in a conflict that has ravaged the Gaza Strip since Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Over the past two years, Gaza has been almost entirely destroyed, with more than 67,000 Palestinians killed in the fighting. The breakthrough comes after intensive negotiations held in Egypt over recent days, with Qatar playing a crucial mediating role throughout the process.

Under the first phase of the deal, Israel will begin a partial withdrawal of its troops from Gaza while Hamas releases the remaining hostages held since the initial attack. The White House has indicated it expects hostages to begin returning home as early as Monday. According to Israeli estimates, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, of which approximately 20 are believed to still be alive. The deal calls for Hamas to release nearly 50 hostages, both living and deceased, while Israel will free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The exchange formula outlined in the plan stipulates that Israel will release between 30 to 50 Palestinian prisoners for every Israeli hostage returned, with priority given to women and children on both sides.

Trump declared that the agreement means all hostages will be released very soon, and that Israel will withdraw troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward what he called "a strong, durable, and everlasting peace." He emphasized that all parties will be treated fairly in the process. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly backed the proposal and extended an invitation for Trump to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, though no date has been set.

The peace plan is built on Trump's comprehensive 20-point proposal unveiled just over a week ago at the White House during Netanyahu's visit. The ambitious framework calls for nothing less than a complete transformation of Gaza's governance and future. Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades, would step aside under the agreement. In its place, a transitional governing committee would be established, composed of qualified Palestinians and international experts who would handle day-to-day administrative tasks and local governance.

Overseeing this transitional committee would be an unprecedented international body called the "Board of Peace," to be chaired by President Trump himself. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been named as another member of this supervisory board, with additional heads of state expected to be announced. This board would set the framework for Gaza's reconstruction and manage funding for redevelopment efforts until the Palestinian Authority completes a mandated reform program.

The plan envisions large-scale reconstruction of Gaza's shattered infrastructure, the deployment of an international stabilization force to provide security, and the complete demilitarization of the territory. Humanitarian aid would be allowed to flow into Gaza in sufficient quantities during the initial phase. Critically, the proposal states that Gaza residents would not be forced to leave their homes as part of the agreement.

Despite the optimism surrounding today's announcement, significant challenges remain. Hamas has expressed concerns about guarantees that Israel will not resume military operations once the hostages are freed, highlighting the deep mistrust between the warring parties. The success of subsequent phases will depend on both sides honoring their commitments and the international community's ability to maintain momentum toward a lasting peace. Qatar, serving as mediator, indicated that more specific details of the implementation would be announced at a later date.

The agreement represents the most substantial progress toward ending the conflict since it began, offering a glimmer of hope to both Israelis desperate for their loved ones' return and Palestinians seeking an end to the destruction. However, the road ahead remains fraught with obstacles, and whether this first phase can lead to a permanent resolution remains to be seen.