After Two Years of War, Gaza on Cusp of Tense Peace

After two long and brutal years of conflict, the Gaza Strip is on the cusp of a tense and fragile peace. A US-brokered agreement, painstakingly negotiated and now described as “90 per cent” complete, offers the first real hope for an end to the hostilities that have ravaged the region.
The breakthrough, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is built upon a proposal from President Donald Trump. This plan has reportedly secured the “basic” agreement of Hamas, clearing the path for the release of Israeli hostages and a cessation of fighting.
The core of the deal is a trade of security for freedom: Israeli forces will withdraw to their mid-August positions, the “yellow line,” in exchange for the safe return of every hostage. This central component is now in the final stages of logistical planning.
However, the peace is shadowed by a powerful ultimatum. President Trump, while calling the deal “great for Israel,” has warned Hamas that it must fully commit by giving up power in Gaza or face “complete obliteration.” This underscores the conditional nature of the truce.
As the final details are ironed out, a sense of cautious optimism prevails. While the agreement marks a significant step away from two years of war, its long-term success hinges on the fragile commitments of bitter enemies and the enforcement of a powerful external broker.