On the 734th day since the start of the Middle Eastern war, Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas, with mediators, reached an agreement to release all Israeli hostages taken on October 7, 2023, who are still alive, and to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
This agreement is considered a significant achievement for US President Donald Trump, who, before his election, promised to end the war in the region and free all hostages. The deal marks the first step toward stabilizing the Middle East situation, acknowledging the war's significant impact on international affairs, including Russia's war against Ukraine.
The end of the conflict creates opportunities for the US administration to focus more on other critical issues, notably the Russian-Ukrainian war. Announcing the Cairo agreement, Donald Trump stressed his intent to address the situation with Russia.
The agreement stipulates the staged release of hostages, a ceasefire, and withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza. Issues remain regarding Hamas' future, its disarmament, and control of Gaza. The plan includes a technocratic government, but the risk persists that Hamas will maintain influence in Gaza and the West Bank.
It is also unclear which Palestinian terrorists imprisoned for serious crimes may be released by Israel in exchange for hostages and the bodies of those who died in captivity. Such exchanges could give terrorist organizations momentum for renewal and further aggression against Israel, particularly after Trump’s presidential term.
The ongoing situation depends greatly on the position of Arab governments, as well as US and Israeli efforts to pressure Iran to halt financing terror groups in Palestine and Yemen. The possibility of moving from this first stage of the peace agreement to a final settlement remains uncertain.
The release of Israeli hostages is now a demonstration of the power of unified good. It also sets grounds for increasing pressure on Russia for the release of Ukrainian prisoners and ending Russia’s war against Ukraine with the triumph of good. Still, future stability in the Middle East and beyond will depend on the resolve of the international community.
