Major challenges remain for Gaza and Israel if ceasefire deal rolls out

The proposed Gaza ceasefire deal between the Israeli government and Hamas has brought a sense of relief to U.S. officials and leaders in the Middle East. However, there are still many questions surrounding the timeline and challenges that need to be addressed before a complete end to the war can be achieved.

The first phase of the deal, set to be approved by the Israeli government, includes the return of all remaining hostages from Gaza, the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons, and a partial withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from the Gaza Strip. Once approved, humanitarian aid is expected to flow into Gaza as land crossings are reopened.

According to a senior Israeli official, a 72-hour window will be given to Hamas to release all hostages after the deal is ratified. The 20 hostages believed to still be alive are expected to be released in one group on Sunday or Monday. President Donald Trump mentioned that the release could potentially happen on Monday or Tuesday.

After the release of the hostages, negotiators will move on to the next phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which involves challenging points such as the total withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, Hamas relinquishing control of the region, disarming and decommissioning militant group weapons, and transferring governance of Gaza to an international trusteeship overseen by the U.S. and Arab allies.

The challenges ahead are immense, with agreements still needing to be reached on these critical points. European and Arab allies are planning to convene in Paris to discuss the “day after” Gaza, focusing on security, governance, and reconstruction. Conversations on Palestinian statehood will also be on the agenda.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was initially considering attending the Paris meeting but has since stated that he will not be able to due to the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East. If President Trump travels to the Middle East over the weekend, Rubio is expected to accompany him.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial to address these challenges and work towards a lasting resolution in the region. The road ahead may be tough, but with continued diplomatic efforts and cooperation, there is hope for a peaceful future in Gaza.