In a landmark development, Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of a Gaza peace plan following months of negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the deal on Wednesday, with his government set to formally approve it during an emergency session on Thursday.
The initial phase includes a full ceasefire, a prisoner-hostage exchange, accelerated humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from designated areas. This breakthrough comes amid heightened international scrutiny of the conflict's human toll and geopolitical implications.
Washington's role in the process has drawn particular attention, with a Brown University study revealing over $21 billion in U.S. military aid to Israel since hostilities began. The evolving dynamic between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Netanyahu has also emerged as a focal point, with analysts noting shifting diplomatic strategies in the lead-up to the agreement.
While details of subsequent peace plan phases remain undisclosed, the current framework marks the most significant progress toward stability in the region since the conflict escalated. Humanitarian organizations have welcomed provisions for urgent aid delivery to Gaza's civilian population, where infrastructure remains critically strained.
