What's happened
Israel and Hamas have ratified a ceasefire, with Israel set to release hostages within 72 hours and partial troop withdrawal from Gaza. The deal, brokered after two years of conflict, aims to end hostilities, facilitate aid, and address future governance of Gaza. Key issues like disarmament and political control remain unresolved.
What's behind the headline?
The ceasefire marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough, representing the most comprehensive effort to end the Gaza conflict to date. It signals a potential shift towards stabilization, but several critical issues threaten its longevity. The unresolved demands for Hamas to disarm and the future governance of Gaza remain contentious, with Hamas rejecting the idea of a transitional authority led by Trump. The deal's success hinges on the implementation of aid flows and the disarmament process, which are likely to face resistance from hardliners on both sides. The US deployment of troops to facilitate aid underscores the international community's concern for stability, but the absence of US troops on the ground limits direct influence. The regional implications are profound, as the deal could pave the way for broader Middle East normalization, yet entrenched political divisions and regional rivalries suggest that peace remains fragile. The deal's timing, amid regional and global tensions, indicates a strategic move by mediators to prevent further escalation, but the long-term peace will depend on addressing core political disputes and regional power dynamics.
What the papers say
South China Morning Post reports that the Israeli cabinet approved the deal early Friday morning, with plans for hostages to be released within 72 hours and Israeli troops to begin partial withdrawal. The article highlights the regional conflict's escalation, US involvement, and internal Israeli skepticism, especially from far-right factions. SBS emphasizes the international support and Trump's role, noting the rejection by Hamas of a transitional Gaza authority led by Trump and the internal Israeli opposition. Both sources agree on the significance of the ceasefire but underscore unresolved issues like disarmament and governance, illustrating the complex, fragile nature of this diplomatic breakthrough.
How we got here
The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated two years ago, resulting in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza. Mediation efforts in Egypt led to initial negotiations, culminating in a deal that includes hostage releases and partial Israeli troop withdrawal. The US has played a central role, with President Trump pushing a 20-point peace plan. Internal Israeli political divisions and regional tensions have complicated the process, with some factions opposing concessions to Hamas.
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