Trump Agrees Hamas Truce Before Taking Office

Hamas has approved a Gaza truce and hostage release deal, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

He’s already doing more than Biden and he’s not even president yet.

At a Glance

  • Hamas and Islamic Jihad have approved a draft agreement for a prisoner-hostage exchange and ceasefire
  • The first phase of the deal would see 33 Israeli hostages freed in exchange for about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners
  • Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have intensified efforts to finalize the deal
  • Disagreements remain over the permanence of the ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal, and humanitarian aid scale
  • The war in Gaza was sparked by a deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023

Diplomatic Breakthrough in Gaza Conflict

Hamas has reportedly approved a draft agreement for a Gaza truce and hostage release deal – and we can thank Trump for it.

This potential breakthrough comes after months of intense negotiations led by Qatar, with support from Egypt and the United States. The proposed deal aims to de-escalate the ongoing conflict that has devastated the Gaza Strip since October 2023.

According to Palestinian sources, “The resistance factions reached an agreement among themselves and informed the mediators of their approval of the (prisoner-hostage) exchange deal and ceasefire,” as reported to AFP on condition of anonymity. This development has sparked cautious optimism among international observers and those directly affected by the conflict.

Terms of the Proposed Deal

The first phase of the proposed agreement would involve the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Priority would be given to the release of children and women among the hostages. Israel would maintain a buffer zone inside Gaza during this initial phase, with further negotiations planned for subsequent stages of the agreement.

“Time is of the essence,” said Gil Dickmann, cousin of former hostage Carmel Gat whose body was recovered in September. “Hostages who are alive will end up dead. Hostages who are dead might be lost. We have to act now,” Dickmann told AFP.

However, several key issues remain unresolved. These include the permanence of the ceasefire, the extent of Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, and the scale of humanitarian aid to be allowed into the territory. These points of contention highlight the complex nature of the negotiations and the delicate balance required to achieve a lasting peace.

International Reactions and Implications

The international community has been closely monitoring the developments, with outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating that a deal was ready to be concluded and implemented. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has also expressed a willingness to reach an agreement, signaling a potential shift in Israel’s stance.

“A ceasefire and hostage release deal has been reached to end 15 months of fighting in the Gaza Strip,” Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani announced.

The prospect of a ceasefire has significant implications for regional stability and U.S.-Israel relations. It could potentially pave the way for further diplomatic efforts, including the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, challenges remain, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes a full withdrawal from Gaza and any post-war role for Hamas.

As negotiations enter their final stages, the international community remains hopeful that this agreement will bring an end to the violence and suffering in Gaza, while addressing the security concerns of all parties involved. The success of this deal could mark a crucial step towards lasting peace in a region long plagued by conflict.

In a matter of days, Trump can swoop in and seal the deal for good. Hopefully.