Now that Hamas has agreed to the core tenets of the Trump peace deal, the world is asking: what happens next? The group’s acceptance on Saturday of a hostage release and ceasefire has kicked off a complex, multi-stage process that will define the road ahead for Gaza and the wider region.
The immediate first step, as ordered by Donald Trump, is a cessation of hostilities. Israel is now under immense pressure to halt its bombing campaign to create a safe environment for the next phase: the release of the hostages. This process will likely be overseen by mediators and international observers.
Simultaneously, mediated negotiations are set to begin. Hamas has stated its readiness to “immediately enter into negotiations” to finalize the details of the Israeli withdrawal and the ceasefire terms. These talks will be critical for establishing a timeline and verification mechanisms to ensure both sides adhere to the agreement.
The next major stage will be the political transition in Gaza. The formation of the “Palestinian body of independents (technocrats)” will require a process of national consultation to select its members and define its mandate. This will be a delicate process, requiring cooperation between rival Palestinian factions.
Finally, the most challenging part of the road ahead will be tackling the long-term issues that Hamas has set aside. The “comprehensive Palestinian national framework” to discuss final status issues like borders and sovereignty will be a long and arduous process, and its outcome is far from certain. The current deal ends the war, but the journey to a final peace is only just beginning.
The Road Ahead: What Happens Now That Hamas Has Agreed to the Deal?
