In a significant milestone of his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump achieved a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas this month, temporarily halting the war in Gaza. Eschewing traditional summits and negotiations, Trump relied on his distinctive approach, aided by his son-in-law Jared Kushner and real estate mogul Steve Witkoff, who played pivotal roles in crafting this understanding.
A report by Time magazine unveils how this pact was orchestrated covertly, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels. Rather than depending on the State Department, Trump entrusted individuals from his inner circle, believing that what diplomacy hadn't resolved could be achieved through what he terms "the art of the deal."
The agreement stipulates an immediate ceasefire, a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, and the release of approximately 20 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for freeing over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences. The deal also includes the return of deceased hostages' bodies and the provision of massive humanitarian aid to the war-torn region.
Kushner and Witkoff drafted the proposal following discussions with officials from Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, according to sources. Initially presented at the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the plan was later refined into a two-phase strategy: first, halting hostilities and exchanging prisoners; second, a roadmap for Gaza's demilitarization, the establishment of a temporary civil government, and the potential normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Trump took a hands-on role in the final negotiations, exerting pressure on regional leaders. "I spoke a bit forcefully," he admitted at the White House. He is expected to visit Israel and Egypt this week to oversee the agreement's implementation and partake in a symbolic signing ceremony.
For Israel, this deal marks a strategic shift. After months of military offensives resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government approved the pact by a majority in the cabinet. However, the ceasefire exposes Netanyahu to internal criticism over perceived concessions.
The pending second phase of the plan is the most challenging: determining who will govern Gaza, ensuring Hamas's permanent departure, and preventing the reemergence of terrorist structures. The White House indicates several Arab nations have pledged to fund reconstruction and participate in an international verification force.
This agreement not only seeks to end one of the region's longest and bloodiest conflicts but also represents Trump's attempt to reassert the United States as a central player in international politics, countering years of criticism over his isolationist stance. In a fragmented world with numerous ongoing crises, peace in Gaza, albeit fragile, might herald a new era in the Middle East.
Trump aims to cement a narrative of global leadership that extends beyond his years in the White House. On Monday, he declared the end of the Gaza war, celebrated the release of hostages, and announced a reconstruction plan with regional and international support to transform the Middle East. In previous days, he had expressed optimism following a statement from Hamas signaling a willingness to discuss a long-term solution.
Understanding Trump's Gaza Peace Agreement
What are the key components of the Gaza peace agreement?
The agreement includes an immediate ceasefire, the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of around 20 hostages by Hamas in exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, and the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Who were the main architects behind the secret peace deal?
Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were the key figures in drafting the agreement, working with officials from Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
What challenges does the second phase of the plan involve?
The second phase involves establishing governance in Gaza, ensuring the permanent removal of Hamas, and preventing the reformation of terrorist structures.