What's happened
US officials, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, helped broker a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, following intense negotiations in Egypt. The deal includes hostage exchanges, prisoner releases, and partial troop withdrawals, with Egypt playing a key mediating role. The agreement marks a significant step toward regional stability.
What's behind the headline?
The recent ceasefire underscores Egypt's strategic repositioning as a regional mediator, leveraging its geographic and diplomatic influence. The direct US engagement with Hamas, authorized by Trump, signals a shift in US policy, prioritizing pragmatic solutions over outright hostility. Kushner and Witkoff's involvement, especially their outreach to Qatar and Turkey, highlights the importance of regional alliances in conflict resolution. This deal, while fragile, sets a precedent for future negotiations, emphasizing the role of international forces and aid in stabilizing Gaza. The agreement's success hinges on Egypt's ability to maintain influence and prevent a security vacuum post-withdrawal. The US's backing and regional cooperation suggest a potential pathway to long-term peace, but the underlying tensions and Hamas's future role remain unresolved. The deal's impact will be closely watched, as it could either pave the way for broader peace or unravel if trust erodes.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that US officials, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, played a pivotal role in brokering the ceasefire, emphasizing Egypt's crucial mediating role and the direct US-Hamas talks. The NY Post highlights Kushner and Witkoff's efforts in overcoming hurdles and engaging regional partners like Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt, which were instrumental in finalizing the deal. The Times of Israel notes that the US authorized direct talks with Hamas to break the deadlock, with high-level Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators present. These sources collectively portray a coordinated diplomatic effort involving multiple regional and international actors, with the US taking a more active role than in previous years, aiming to secure hostages and stabilize Gaza.
How we got here
Tensions escalated after Hamas's attack on southern Israel in October 2023, leading to a prolonged conflict. The US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey engaged in indirect negotiations, with rare direct talks between US officials and Hamas. The recent ceasefire follows months of diplomatic efforts aimed at securing hostages, easing humanitarian access, and reducing violence in Gaza.
Go deeper
Common question
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The reopening of Gaza's key border crossing at Rafah has been delayed by Israel, raising questions about security, humanitarian aid, and ongoing tensions. Understanding the reasons behind this delay is crucial for grasping the current situation in Gaza and the broader regional stability efforts. Below, we explore the key factors influencing this decision and what it means for civilians and aid efforts.
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What Are the Global Reactions to the Gaza Ceasefire and Middle East Peace Efforts?
The recent Gaza ceasefire brokered by the US and regional mediators has sparked a flurry of international reactions. Countries involved and those watching closely are responding in various ways, shaping the future stability of the region. From diplomatic negotiations to security concerns, explore the key questions about how the world is reacting to these critical developments and what they mean for regional and global stability.
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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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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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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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Jared Corey Kushner is an American investor, real-estate developer, and newspaper publisher who is currently senior advisor to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, the President of the United States.
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Adam Seth Boehler is an American businessman and government official who currently serves as the first CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.
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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.