President Donald Trump’s gambit to end the Gaza war involves a carefully crafted deal he calls “great for Israel,” backed by the iron-fisted threat of “complete obliteration” for Hamas. The strategy appears to be on the verge of success, with the agreement now “90 per cent done,” according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The deal on the table, which Hamas has “basically” accepted, requires the group to free all Israeli hostages. In exchange, Israel will pull its troops back to the “yellow line,” its position in mid-August.
Beyond the immediate de-escalation, Trump’s plan includes a vision for the future. Rubio has confirmed that Hamas agreed “in principle” to discussions on the post-war governance of Gaza, a crucial step towards a more permanent peace.
Trump has secured key support for his plan, stating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “on board” with ending the bombing and pursuing the broader US vision. This alignment between the US and Israel adds significant pressure on Hamas to comply.
With the main components locked in, the final logistical details are now being arranged. These concluding talks will test the efficacy of Trump’s diplomatic and military pressure, potentially bringing the two-year war to a decisive end.