The next few hours will be critical for the truce in Gaza. On the one hand, the long -awaited exchange of hostages and prisoners between and scheduled for Monday is a rare ray of hope after two years of bloody conflicts in the Palestinian enclave. On the other hand, US President Donald Trump’s visit to Tel Aviv is also of the utmost importance.
However, the temporary ceasefire is considered fragile and the challenges for the transition to a constant peace in the region are many. But this does not prevent the Israeli and the Palestinian people from taking a breath of optimism.
The exchange of hostages
The imminent liberation of Israeli hostages from Hamas – scheduled for Monday – is a critical negotiating moment.
According to information from the British newspaper “”, Hamas holds 48 Israeli hostages, of which it is estimated that about 20 are alive. Under the agreement signed by both sides, the Palestinian organization is obliged to release the living within 72 hours of the ratification of the agreement. Israel, in return, will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and many will be exiled to neighboring countries.
However, Hamas sets conditions for the list of prisoners to be released. He calls for the presence of important names on the lists of important names, such as Ahmed Saadat and other leadership representatives. In addition,. As the discussions culminate, information says that the living hostages have gathered in Gaza and that Hamas will meet Monday’s dawn to finalize the series of liberation.
After the release of the hostages, the Palestinian organization loses much of its pressure lever. Which can weaken its position in future negotiations.
Still, Hamas intends to hand over the “heavy weapon” to the Palestinian Authority, maintaining only light weapons for symbolic reasons, while international forces will oversee the stabilization process.
The withdrawal of Israeli forces and humanitarian aid to Gaza
The agreement also provides for the partial withdrawal of the Israeli forces from Gaza, facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid, with the aim of restoring pre -war flows and reopening the United Nations, as well as the participation of international stabilization forces.
However, within these forecasts the West Bank is not clearly included. In essence, it is a space where Israeli settlement and tensions remain active, and it is not excluded that it will be transformed into a field of escalation.
That is why the international community is anxiously monitored by developments, and there is strong diplomatic mobility.
The US and international organizations
The United States, taking on the leading role, announced the creation of a Center for Political-Military Coordination (CMCC) and the mission of 200 troops to Israel, but without attempting an American presence within Gaza.
At the same time, the US president, trying to ensure the continuation of the truce in the context of a wider 20 -point plan to end the war. Also, the role of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey will be critical to the success of the agreement and to provide assistance.
Thorns remain
In this context, the difficulties are still many to maintain peace. The obstacles that remain are enough, but not inaccessible:
- The loss of negotiating capital for Hamas after the exchange.
- Non -incorporation of the West Bank into the same process – which opens up new conflicts.
- Dependence on international pressure and mediation (Egypt, Turkey, USA).
- The historical experience that truce in the Middle East often collapses.
- The implementation of the terms, transparency, assistance and infrastructure repair in Gaza.
Dysfunctions, delays, internal resistance and violations can endanger any progress.
Correspondingly, in order to resolve the malfunctions and pass the area from a wounded truce to sustainable peace, they are necessary:
- Systematic application and international supervision to prevent violations.
- The integrated political solution that includes the West Bank, not just Gaza.
- The development and reconstruction of the Gaza with transparency and fair disposal of resources.
- The participation of all sides – USA, regional forces and international organizations.
- Strengthening mechanisms of trust, with substantial peace steps and human rights protection.
Challenges in the international dimension and public opinion
At the same time, in the United States, public opinion is remarkable. A poll by Siena College reveals that, for the first time, more US citizens are sympathy for the Palestinians (42%) rather than the Israeli (37%). This trend is more intense at younger ages and democrats, while 60% of respondents call for the end of military operations in Gaza.
Changes in the stance of communities and the shift of US public opinion in favor of the Palestinians create additional pressures and dynamic in the field of diplomacy. They increase pressure on the US political regime and enhance the need for a more balanced approach to the region.
The subtle balance between the ceasefire and steady peace in the gauze
The agreement to exchange hostages and prisoners is undoubtedly a historic milestone, but it is not sufficient on its own to ensure long -term stability. Its success will be judged not only by its immediate implementation but also that will prevent conflicts and promotes cohabitation.
In particular, the key to sustainable peace is not only the implementation of the military terms of the truce, but the political integration of all Palestinian territories into a single strategic solution, with respect to human rights and self -determination. The cultivation of trust, both between the two sides and in civil society, is also important.
The history of the Middle East has shown that truce is often fragile and vulnerable to violations, so the crucial question remains: How can peace in the Gaza Strip be long?
