Nadav Eyal on Israel-Hamas Gaza Peace Deal and US Role

Key Aspects of the Gaza Peace Deal

• 🤝 The agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza is supported by a clear majority within Netanyahu's cabinet, ensuring its passage.
• ⚖️ Families of Palestinian prisoners convicted of terror offenses will have a brief window to appeal their release to the Supreme Court, though such appeals have historically been unsuccessful after government approval.
• ✈️ The deal's first phase involves the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for over 1,500 Palestinian prisoners, a significant concession for the Israeli right-wing.

US Involvement and Trump's Role

• 🇺🇸 The US played an indispensable role in brokering the deal, with President Trump and his envoys being crucial.
• 💡 Trump introduced a new formula allowing for the release of Israeli hostages even if the IDF remains in Gaza, a point previously considered a red line by Hamas.
• 🤝 The US leveraged its influence with Qatar and Turkey, allies of the Muslim Brotherhood (of which Hamas is an offspring), to pressure Hamas into agreeing to the terms.
• 🗣️ President Trump also pressured Prime Minister Netanyahu to accept the deal, which includes significant prisoner exchanges.

Potential Impact and Future Phases

• 🌍 The conflict in Gaza is seen as central to a broader regional war involving Hezbollah, Iran, and Israel, and this deal aims for a permanent ceasefire.
• ⚠️ While the deal is intended to be permanent, there's a possibility of collapse, leading to renewed skirmishes and violence.
• 🇺🇸 Continued US commitment, acting as both a "bad cop" and "good cop," is seen as vital for maintaining the agreement.

Logistics and Public Response

• 🗓️ President Trump anticipates the remaining hostages will be released early next week, following the agreement on the first phase of a 20-point peace plan.
• 🚧 More challenging aspects, such as Hamas disarmament and the future governance of Gaza, are yet to be finalized.
• 🚶‍♂️ In Gaza, local health officials report over 67,000 deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis.
• 🙏 In Israel, there is a sense of relief and hope among hostage families and the public, who have been protesting for a deal to end the war and bring hostages home.