The long and brutal war between Israel and Hamas, which has been tearing Gaza apart for over 15 months, may finally be nearing an end. Both Donald Trump and Joe Biden recently expressed optimism that a ceasefire could be reached within days, bringing a much-needed pause to the violence.
Trump, who will take office as the next U.S. president in just a few weeks, told Newsmax on Monday, “We are very close to getting it done. There’s been a handshake, and they’re getting it finished, maybe by the end of the week.” Biden echoed similar sentiments, saying that both sides were “on the brink of a proposal” just hours earlier.
So, what does this ceasefire entail? Israeli officials revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s team has been negotiating with Hamas through indirect discussions in Doha, Qatar. The first phase of the ceasefire would last 42 days, leading to the release of 33 hostages from Gaza—some of whom are feared to be dead. Additionally, Palestinian prisoners would be released from Israeli jails, and a buffer zone would be created within Gaza to protect Israeli communities close to the Palestinian territory.
Though the first phase seems to be taking shape, the second phase is still up for negotiation. However, Israel’s military forces are not expected to withdraw from Gaza until all 98 hostages are freed.
Despite the optimism, there’s no guarantee that the ceasefire will happen. Both sides are still cautious, with the key issue being whether this pause in fighting would turn into a permanent end to hostilities—something Hamas wants, but Israel rejects. Israel’s goal remains the complete dismantling of Hamas, which it views as a military and political threat.
The U.S. is playing a crucial role in mediating a phased ceasefire, with the goal of providing significant aid to Gaza once the fighting stops. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated, “It’s there for the taking, so the question now is can we all seize the moment and make this happen?” Still, he acknowledged that in the past, similar hopes had fallen short.
The war has not only devastated Gaza but has also sparked tensions across the Middle East, drawing in Lebanon and leading to missile strikes between Israel and Iran. As the war drags on, there’s increasing pressure on Biden, especially within his own party, to push harder for a resolution.
For Israel, the stakes are high—hopes for a ceasefire have lifted the country’s financial markets, with the shekel rising 1.8% against the dollar. Yet, the war’s toll on Israel’s economy and the rising defense costs have led to record government bond issuances.
The conflict was sparked by Hamas’ raid into southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages taken. Israel’s retaliation has led to at least 46,000 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
As the clock ticks down on Biden’s presidency, the pressure is mounting for both him and Trump to secure a deal before the transfer of power. Trump’s team has been in close contact with Biden’s, working towards a deal that could bring relief to the region.
While the ceasefire hopes are rising, there are still hurdles to overcome. Some members of Israel’s far-right government have suggested they will oppose a ceasefire, insisting that military action against Hamas must continue. However, Netanyahu is likely to have enough support in his cabinet to push the deal through.
The world waits to see if a long-awaited ceasefire will become a reality—offering a glimpse of peace after months of devastating violence.
