What's happened
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is holding for a third day, with the release of hostages imminent. Trump is visiting Israel and Egypt to address the conflict's resolution, amid ongoing negotiations on prisoner releases and Gaza's future. The war, sparked by Hamas's attack in October 2023, has caused extensive destruction and displacement.
What's behind the headline?
The current ceasefire and hostage releases are a critical turning point, but they do not resolve the underlying issues. The agreement, mediated by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, is a fragile first step. Israel's demand for Hamas disarmament and a long-term governance plan for Gaza remain unresolved, risking a resumption of hostilities. Trump's involvement signals US interest in shaping the peace process, but the future stability depends on addressing core disputes. The international community's role will be pivotal in ensuring Gaza's reconstruction and disarmament, but deep mistrust persists, making a durable peace unlikely in the short term.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that Trump believes the war is over and expects the ceasefire to hold, emphasizing the release of hostages and upcoming diplomatic efforts. The Independent highlights the emotional toll on Israelis and Palestinians, noting the long wait for hostages' release and the international pressure that led to the ceasefire. AP News underscores the ongoing negotiations, the complex issues of Gaza's future governance, and the regional diplomatic efforts, including Trump's upcoming peace summit in Egypt. These sources collectively illustrate a cautious optimism, but also underline the fragility of the current ceasefire and the unresolved political challenges ahead.
How we got here
The conflict started when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel in October 2023, leading to over 67,000 Palestinian deaths and massive displacement in Gaza. The war has drawn regional and international attention, with efforts to broker peace and address Gaza's governance, disarmament, and reconstruction. The recent ceasefire marks a significant step, but key issues remain unresolved, including Hamas disarmament and Gaza's political future.
Go deeper
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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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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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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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to: