The Unresolved Questions Surrounding Gaza's Future Governance and the Disarmament of Hamas Following the Initial Truce

United States President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, October 9, 2025, that Israel and Hamas have both formally agreed to the initial phase of a US brokered peace plan aimed at ending the two year conflict in Gaza. The agreement, which represents the most significant breakthrough in diplomatic efforts since the war began, centers on a temporary halt in fighting to allow for an exchange of hostages and prisoners. This first phase is based on a part of the President’s comprehensive 20 point peace framework, with the broader goal of achieving a "Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace."

The core elements of this initial agreement are the immediate cessation of hostilities and a significant exchange of captives. According to President Trump's announcement, which was made on social media, the deal means that "ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon," and Israel will begin to "withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line." This directly addresses the humanitarian crisis and a key Israeli objective of securing the return of all remaining hostages. Hamas also confirmed the agreement, stating it includes an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave and a hostage prisoner exchange, while urging guarantor states to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire. Reports indicate that Hamas intends to release the approximately twenty living hostages this weekend, in exchange for nearly two thousand Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, including high profile detainees.

The reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive from the parties involved and the international community. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the deal, calling it a "great day for Israel" and confirming he would convene the government to approve the agreement. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres praised the diplomatic efforts by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and called on all concerned parties to "abide fully" by the terms, insisting the fighting must stop permanently. The news sparked celebrations in Gaza and among the families of the hostages in Israel, signifying widespread relief at the potential for an end to the brutal fighting.

Despite the optimism surrounding this first phase, challenging issues remain unresolved and will be the focus of subsequent negotiations. The thornier points of President Trump’s 20 point plan, such as the future governance of the Gaza Strip, Hamas’s potential demilitarization, and the exact timeline and mechanism for a full Israeli troop withdrawal, are yet to be finalized. These deeper, long term questions about the political future of Gaza and the entire region will determine whether the initial ceasefire can transition into a durable, final peace. The successful implementation of this initial phase, however, marks a critical step forward, potentially paving the way for further progress in the coming weeks.