A Fragile Peace: Hamas Agrees to Terms, but Long-Term Issues Loom

A fragile peace is within grasp in Gaza after Hamas agreed to the immediate terms of a U.S.-led peace plan, but significant long-term issues still loom. The group announced on Saturday it would release all Israeli hostages and accept a ceasefire, in a major concession to a proposal by Donald Trump.
This agreement was reached under the duress of a Sunday deadline from Trump, who had threatened severe consequences for non-compliance. In its response, Hamas confirmed its readiness for immediate negotiations on a deal that would also see the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territories.
As part of the deal, Hamas has also consented to a new governance structure for Gaza, agreeing to hand over administration to an independent, technocratic body. This move is designed to create a stable, non-partisan government capable of overseeing reconstruction with international support.
However, Hamas’s statement highlighted the fragility of the agreement by deferring a decision on the plan’s more contentious political elements. The group noted that issues of Palestinian rights and the final status of Gaza are “connected to a unified national position and relevant international laws” and require further talks.
Donald Trump chose to focus on the immediate breakthrough, hailing the announcement as a sign of Hamas’s readiness for peace and calling on Israel to stop its bombing. While the immediate crisis may be averted, the unresolved issues underscore the difficult negotiations that lie ahead to secure a truly lasting peace.