A comprehensive peace deal for Gaza is “90 per cent done,” but its success now hinges on the final 10 percent: the logistical details of a hostage exchange. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that while Hamas has “basically” agreed to the framework, technical talks are underway to coordinate the complex operation.
The core of the US-backed plan involves a trade: the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for an Israeli military withdrawal to the “yellow line,” its position in mid-August. This exchange has been identified as the top priority to de-escalate the two-year conflict.
In a promising sign for long-term peace, Rubio also noted that Hamas has agreed “in principle” to a plan for Gaza’s future after the war. He cautioned that “a lot of details are going to have to be worked out” but hailed the general agreement as a major step forward.
The deal is a key foreign policy objective for President Donald Trump, who has called it a “great deal for Israel” and confirmed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s support. Trump has also put immense pressure on Hamas, warning of “complete obliteration” if the group clings to power.
As negotiators delve into the specifics, Rubio said the world would know “very quickly” if Hamas is serious. The successful resolution of these final logistical matters is all that stands between the current state of war and a potential new era of peace.