Understanding the Gaza Ceasefire Agreement: Key Insights and Implications

Sat Oct 11 2025 03:10:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As a ceasefire takes effect in Gaza following a US-brokered deal between Israel and Hamas, key language in the agreement raises questions about its interpretation and potential outcomes.

A ceasefire agreement in Gaza, brokered by the US and recently approved by Israel, reflects ambiguity and a lack of specifics in key areas. While the agreement suggests an end to conflict, it raises concerns about compliance, future negotiations, and humanitarian crises. Key leaders, including Trump's administration and Hamas representatives, are engaged in this pivotal moment, though significant obstacles remain for lasting peace.

A ceasefire has come into effect for the war in Gaza, after the Israeli government approved a US-brokered deal with Hamas in negotiations that had the personal involvement of US President Donald Trump.

The full text of the agreement has not been made public - but part of it has been published by Israeli media.

It appears to lack details and in some cases is vague and ambiguous - perhaps on purpose.

Even its title, Implementation steps for President Trump's proposal for a comprehensive end of Gaza War, leaves room for different interpretations.

The full title suggests these are steps for the implementation of the 20-point plan that President Trump announced at the White House last week. The document was agreed after negotiations in Egypt over the first phase of the plan, related to a ceasefire, a hostage and prisoner exchange, and a surge in humanitarian aid.

However, by highlighting Comprehensive end of Gaza war, the document appears to be announcing the end of the two-year-old war.

This paragraph explicitly says the war is over, which sets the scene for future discussions on later stages of the president's plan for Gaza. It appears to suggest that, even if the negotiations reach an impasse, hostilities will not resume.

This is crucial as key sticking points remain, including the Israeli demand for Hamas to disarm, the scale of the Israeli withdrawal, and a plan for who will govern the territory. The document does not mention guarantees that could have been given that the conflict will not restart, or what could happen if either side returns to fighting.

Speaking after the deal was reached, Hamas's exiled Gaza leader, Khalil Al-Hayya, said he had received assurances from the US and other mediators that the war had ended.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly said that the conflict is over. Following the approval of the deal by the Israeli government, Netanyahu released a video in which he appeared to threaten to use force if Israel's demands, including Hamas's disarmament, were not met...

This deal is a significant diplomatic breakthrough led by Trump, who wants to be remembered as the one who brought the conflict to an end. The president employed American leverage to force Netanyahu, who has been accused of sabotaging earlier efforts for a deal, to engage with the negotiations. Hamas came under pressure from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, and from a population in desperate need of help.

What happens next, however, is not clear. Progress will only happen if the Trump administration remains engaged, as both Israel and Hamas have reasons to stall the process. There is momentum, but major obstacles remain.