A senior Israeli security official confirmed this boundary as the limit for the first Israeli retreat.
Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan. This phase includes a ceasefire and a hostage exchange. It could be a crucial first step toward ending the two-year conflict that has devastated the region.
It is pertinent to mention that Israel struck Gaza, killing 24 Palestinians, hours before ceasefire talks with Hamas began in Egypt.
Earlier, Israel released the victims of the Sumud Flotilla.
The 20-Point Framework
The initial agreement came after indirect talks in Egypt, shortly after the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. Trump announced that both sides approved the first phase. This phase promises the release of all hostages-both alive and dead-soon. It also involves Israeli troop withdrawal to the “yellow line” in Gaza, which marks an initial pullback.
A senior Israeli security official confirmed this boundary as the limit for the first Israeli retreat. Hamas confirmed the agreement to end the war, which includes Israeli withdrawal and a prisoner exchange. However, the group urged Trump and other guarantors to ensure Israel fully respects the ceasefire.
Key Uncertainties
Despite the progress, many important details remain unclear. These include:
- The exact timing of each step
- Who will govern Gaza after the war
- The future role of Hamas
No clear plan has emerged for Gaza’s leadership post-war. Netanyahu, Trump, Western, and Arab leaders have ruled out Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007. Trump’s original plan envisions the Palestinian Authority playing a role, but only after significant reforms.
What’s Next?
Prime Minister Netanyahu plans to present the agreement to his cabinet for approval. Hamas has said that living hostages will be released within 72 hours after Israeli approval. Israel expects the release to begin on Saturday. Out of 48 hostages, 20 are believed to be alive.
A senior White House official explained that once Israel approves the deal, it must withdraw to the agreed line within 24 hours. After this, the 72-hour countdown for hostage release starts. Hamas already provided lists of hostages and Palestinian prisoners for exchange.
Trump may visit Egypt soon, possibly Friday, to further the deal. Netanyahu invited Trump to address Israel’s parliament, and Trump has expressed willingness.
The Next Phase and Challenges
The next stage calls for an international “Board of Peace” to help govern Gaza after the war. Trump will lead this body, which includes former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
However, challenges remain. Hamas refuses to disarm as demanded by Israel. Palestinian sources say Hamas won’t comply unless Israeli troops fully withdraw. Talks have stalled over the withdrawal timeline and guarantees for a complete Israeli pullout.
Though Israel has reduced military strikes at Trump’s request, it hasn’t fully stopped them.
Arab supporters want the deal to lead to an independent Palestinian state. Netanyahu opposes this. Hamas insists it will only hand over Gaza to a Palestinian technocratic government supervised by the Palestinian Authority and backed by Arab and Muslim countries. They reject foreign governance or Blair’s role.
