**Trump Hails Gaza Deal, While Hamas and Israeli Officials See Hurdles**
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that a new agreement aimed at bringing peace to Gaza represents a "great breakthrough," despite indications from both Hamas and Israeli officials that significant obstacles remain before the deal can be put into action. This announcement follows Trump's description of the agreement as a "major milestone" toward ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza, emphasizing that it would lead to the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups.
During his remarks, Trump expressed optimism about the potential impact of the agreement, stating, "It’s a big step for the Middle East, and people are really impressed by it, and they’re surprised by it." However, the feasibility of the deal is uncertain, as it follows months of stalled efforts to maintain the ceasefire established last year in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.
The current proposal's acceptance by both Hamas and Israel remains unclear. Previous attempts to secure a lasting peace have faltered due to mutual distrust and disagreements over the initial steps each side must take. A senior Hamas official involved in the negotiations indicated that the implementation of the agreement hinges on Israel fulfilling its commitments under the Sharm el Sheikh framework, which includes a phased end to military operations and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Conversely, an Israeli official reiterated that Israel would not withdraw its military from the area unless Hamas undergoes genuine disarmament. This statement reflects the ongoing tension surrounding the military demarcation line established under the ceasefire.
Trump's recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington was characterized by the U.S. president as positive, asserting that Israel was "very happy" with the agreement. He acknowledged the complexities of the situation, stating, "Will it go through its ups and downs? It’s a very complex situation over there." However, an Israeli political source noted that the issue of Gaza was not discussed during the meeting.
In response to the announcement, Hamas emphasized that any agreement must begin with Israel's commitment to cease its military actions and attacks. This call for a halt to violence comes amid reports of ongoing hostilities; Gaza health authorities reported casualties from Israeli airstrikes shortly after Trump's announcement, highlighting the precarious nature of the situation. The Israeli military stated it was reviewing one incident involving a targeted strike that was diverted due to the presence of civilians.
While Netanyahu has not publicly commented on the new proposal, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir expressed his discontent with the draft agreement, labeling it unacceptable and insisting that Israel's policy of targeting Hamas leaders should continue.
In Gaza, public sentiment appears skeptical regarding the potential for immediate change. Residents, particularly those displaced from their homes, voiced concerns about the viability of the agreement. Samir Ayad, a 60-year-old resident in a tent camp in Gaza City, urged Trump to ensure that Israel honors any agreement, stating, "You Trump, you should start it from your end. Ceasefire, stop the assassinations and complete the Israeli army’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip."
Hamas official Ghazi Hamad, involved in the negotiations, indicated that the group might be willing to accept a "difficult and painful" agreement, though he refrained from using the term disarmament. Instead, he referred to the proposal as a "comprehensive framework" contingent upon Israel's adherence to the initial phases of the Sharm el Sheikh agreement. This framework includes demands for Israel to cease its military operations, withdraw its forces to positions held prior to October, and facilitate increased aid and goods flow into Gaza.
In conjunction with the announcement, Trump's Board of Peace released a 15-point roadmap urging Israel, Hamas, and other Palestinian factions to fully implement the terms of the Sharm el Sheikh agreement, particularly the cessation of military operations. The roadmap outlines that the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza should assume responsibility for civil governance and oversee the decommissioning and storage of heavy weapons, military production sites, and tunnels, specifying that no weapons would be handed over to Israel or any non-Palestinian entity.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on all parties to implement the roadmap "without any questions, skepticism, or determination to undermine it," urging both sides to fulfill their agreed commitments in a timely manner.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely to see whether this latest initiative can overcome the entrenched challenges that have historically hindered peace efforts in the region.