The US-brokered Gaza cease-fire deal is a welcome respite for millions in the besieged territory, but its long-term prospects are uncertain. The agreement, which includes exchanges of hostages and prisoners, and Israeli troop withdrawals, has been hailed as a “moonshot” by some. However, critics warn that the pact’s success depends on the US maintaining strong pressure to keep negotiations on track.
The deal’s complexity lies in its three-phase structure, with only the first phase fully detailed. The agreement also raises critical questions about who will administer Gaza after the cease-fire. Some extreme nationalists in Israel and Hamas are opposed to the deal, which they see as a temporary reprieve for Hamas.
Former President Donald Trump played a key role in brokering the deal, but it’s unclear if he’ll maintain pressure on Israel to uphold its commitments. The US has significant sway over events in the Middle East, and sustaining the cease-fire will require considerable effort.
Analysts point out that the phase plan has a dismal record in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, which often falter due to conditions set by each side. If either party fails to meet its obligations, the process could unravel.
For the US to reap long-term benefits from this agreement, President Biden’s administration needs to prioritize regional diplomacy and stability. A lasting peace in Gaza would open doors for normalization with Saudi Arabia and strengthen an American-led coalition against Iran.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/opinion/trump-gaza-cease-fire.html