After two years of intense conflict in Gaza, Israel and Hamas have reached agreement on the first phase of a peace plan brokered by the United States. Under this initial stage, Hamas will release all remaining hostages, while Israel agrees to withdraw its forces to a pre-defined line and begin to cease hostilities in affected areas. Mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, the deal aims to open humanitarian corridors, restore aid deliveries, and create breathing space for civilians who have borne the brunt of destruction and displacement.

While hailed by international leaders as historic, the deal comes with challenges: ensuring trustworthy verification, maintaining the ceasefire, and setting up the conditions for subsequent phases — including further troop withdrawal, reconstruction of Gaza, and addressing governance. Trust deficits from past agreements and rising skepticism among affected populations mean that this moment, though promising, must survive the test of action rather than rhetoric.