What's happened
On October 13, 2025, President Donald Trump declared the Gaza war over as a ceasefire took effect and the first seven hostages were released by Hamas. Trump visited Israel, met with Netanyahu and hostage families, and will co-host a peace summit in Egypt. The deal includes prisoner releases, partial Israeli troop withdrawal, and plans for Gaza's governance, though key issues remain unresolved.
What's behind the headline?
Trump’s Role and the Ceasefire
President Trump’s assertive declaration that "the war is over" marks a pivotal moment in the Gaza conflict, underscoring his administration’s central role in brokering the ceasefire and hostage release deal. His confidence in the ceasefire’s durability, backed by "verbal guarantees" from Israel, Hamas, and regional players, signals a strategic push to reshape Middle East diplomacy.
Complexities Beneath the Surface
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s caution about "major security challenges" and the far-right opposition within Israel reveal deep fractures. The release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, alongside partial Israeli troop withdrawals, are significant but incomplete steps. Hamas’s refusal to disarm and rejection of Trump’s proposed Gaza governance highlight ongoing tensions.
Geopolitical Implications
Trump’s plan to head a new governing body for Gaza and his tentative approach to involving Tony Blair reflect the delicate balancing act required. The absence of Israeli and Hamas representatives at the upcoming Sharm el-Sheikh summit, with only regional and Palestinian Authority leaders attending, illustrates the diplomatic tightrope.
Forecast and Impact
The ceasefire and hostage releases will likely reduce immediate violence and humanitarian suffering, but the long-term peace depends on resolving governance, disarmament, and security concerns. Trump’s visit and summit aim to capitalize on momentum, yet entrenched political divisions and regional complexities suggest a fragile peace. The international community’s role in reconstruction and monitoring will be critical.
Relevance to Readers
This development affects global stability and US foreign policy, with potential impacts on international relations and security. The humanitarian relief and prospects for peace offer cautious optimism, but the situation remains volatile, requiring continued attention.
What the papers say
The Independent’s Eric Garcia highlights Trump’s focus on foreign affairs, noting his efforts to broker peace and the political challenges within the US government, including the government shutdown distractions. The Independent also details Netanyahu’s and Hamas’s reactions, emphasizing the complex negotiations and the role of back-channel talks led by Gershon Baskin.
The Times of Israel provides insight into Trump’s confidence and his relationship with Netanyahu, quoting Trump’s firm statement: "The war is over. Ok. You understand that?" It also covers the planned summit in Egypt and the political dynamics surrounding the ceasefire.
The New Arab echoes Trump’s optimism and outlines his plans for Gaza’s governance, including his cautious stance on involving Tony Blair. It also reports on the presence of key US officials accompanying Trump.
South China Morning Post offers a broader geopolitical context, discussing the devastation in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis, and the challenges ahead, including skepticism about Hamas disarming and Israel’s long-term security goals.
SBS reports on the Israeli government’s ratification of the ceasefire and the operational details of the prisoner exchanges and US troop deployments to support stability, highlighting opposition from Israeli far-right figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Together, these sources present a multifaceted picture of a historic but fragile ceasefire, shaped by Trump’s diplomacy, regional politics, and unresolved tensions.
How we got here
The two-year Gaza conflict began with Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, leading to heavy casualties and hostages taken. Indirect negotiations, brokered by Trump with a 20-point peace plan, have led to a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. Israel approved the first phase, but Hamas rejected some terms, and far-right Israeli factions oppose the deal.
Go deeper
- What are the key terms of Trump's 20-point peace plan?
- How are Netanyahu and Hamas responding to the ceasefire deal?
- What challenges remain for lasting peace in Gaza?
Common question
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Has the Gaza War Really Ended? What’s the Latest on Diplomatic Efforts?
The situation in Gaza remains complex and evolving. Recent declarations suggest the conflict may be over, but many questions linger about the true state of peace, international reactions, and future stability. Here’s what you need to know about the latest developments, including Trump’s peace plan, regional responses, and ongoing negotiations.
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What Does Trump's Visit Mean for Middle East Peace?
Recent developments in the Middle East, including former President Trump's visit to Israel and Egypt, have sparked widespread interest in regional stability and diplomatic efforts. Many wonder how Trump's involvement influences the ongoing conflict, ceasefire agreements, and future peace negotiations. Below, we explore key questions about the current situation and what it could mean for the region's future.
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What’s Really Happening with the Gaza Flotilla and International Reactions?
The recent interception of the Gaza flotilla has sparked global controversy. Activists from around the world attempted to break Israel’s naval blockade, leading to detentions, allegations of abuse, and international protests. Many are asking what exactly happened, why activists are being deported, and how different countries are responding. Here’s a clear breakdown of the key questions and what they mean for the ongoing conflict and international diplomacy.
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Is the Gaza War Really Over After the Ceasefire?
Following recent developments, many are asking whether the Gaza conflict has truly ended or if the peace is just temporary. With a ceasefire in place and hostage releases underway, it's natural to wonder what comes next. Here, we explore the current situation, what the ceasefire means, and what challenges remain for lasting peace in the region.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Khalil al-Hayya is a senior Hamas official who was elected to the Palestinian Legislative Council on 25 January 2006 as a representative of Gaza City. He resides in the neighborhood of Shuja'iyya.
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Steven Charles Witkoff is an American real estate investor and landlord based in New York City, and founder of the Witkoff Group.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Abdel Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil el-Sisi is an Egyptian politician who is the sixth and current President of Egypt, former Director of Military Intelligence, former Minister of Defence, and former General.
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate