This agreement uniquely combines a ceasefire and a cessation of hostilities — functioning as both an immediate truce and a potential long-term framework for lasting peace.

Hamas pushed for the short-term ceasefire.

Israel insisted on the long-term cessation: disarming and dismantling Hamas, introducing an international stabilization force, and establishing non-Hamas governance under U.S. oversight.

The PA, Europeans, and moderate Arab states secured an Israeli pledge to reopen political talks toward a peace horizon.

Despite international criticism, Israel’s intensified campaign in Gaza City proved to be the key to breaking Hamas’ resistance and forcing Qatar and Turkey — Hamas’ main patrons — to act. A year ago, Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas were still too strong. The cumulative military achievements since then left Hamas isolated and weakened.

Even the failed Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar sent a powerful message: hosting Hamas had become too costly. Turkey received the memo as well. Combined with Trump’s firm backing, both countries recalibrated — choosing alignment with Washington over loyalty to a sinking Hamas.

Prime Minister Netanyahu faced a stark choice: accept a U.S.-backed, regionally supported deal that mandates Hamas’ dismantlement but also affirms that:

This may fracture Israel’s current coalition and prompt Ben-Gvir and Smotrich to exit in protest.

Hamas will never willingly disarm. The coming phase — determining who disarms Hamas and how — remains the biggest unknown.

Critical questions remain:

• Will Israel, Arab states, or an international force take the lead?
• Will Hamas surrender all weapons or only heavy arms?
• Or will it simply “pivot” to a political role while maintaining control behind the scenes?

This deal was made possible by a rare combination: Israeli military grit and U.S. diplomatic muscle applied to Qatar and Turkey.

Whatever one’s politics, this would mark a historic diplomatic success for the Trump administration — arguably Nobel-worthy if it endures.

Notice who’s upset: the “pro-Palestine” activists now lament Hamas’ capitulation. This was never a genocide — it was a narrative war, weaponizing Israel to weaken the West from within. Within a year or two, the same forces will find a new cause to inflame.

Let’s have no illusions: Hamas will test every loophole. Regional coordination and American engagement will be essential to enforce compliance and ensure Gaza’s reconstruction doesn’t empower extremists again.

For now, cautious optimism is warranted. Israelis and Palestinians may finally be able to exhale — to take a long-overdue breath of relief.