The nearly-finalized Gaza peace deal rests on two essential pillars: an immediate plan to secure the freedom of all hostages and a long-term vision for the territory’s future. This dual focus aims to solve the current crisis while preventing its recurrence.
The first and most urgent pillar is the hostage release. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, this is “priority number one.” The mechanism is a trade, with Israel pulling back to the “yellow line” in exchange for the captives. This part of the deal is “90 per cent” complete and is now in its logistical planning phase.
The second pillar is the framework for a post-war Gaza. Rubio confirmed Hamas has agreed “in principle” to engage in discussions about what happens after the conflict ends. This is a crucial, forward-looking element designed to address the underlying issues of governance and stability that fuel the conflict.
President Donald Trump’s administration has championed both pillars. He has called the deal “great for Israel,” likely referring to the return of hostages and the potential for a more stable neighbor. His ultimatum to Hamas to cede power is directly linked to the successful implementation of this second pillar.
Together, these two pillars form a comprehensive strategy. By linking the immediate humanitarian goal of freeing hostages with a longer-term political vision, the deal attempts to build a more durable and lasting peace for the entire region.