The United States has brokered a comprehensive ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, ending 18 months of conflict that killed tens of thousands, displaced over a million people, and triggered the worst humanitarian crisis in Gaza's history. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the deal "the result of the most intensive American diplomatic effort in the Middle East in a generation."
Phase 1 of the deal (weeks 1-6): An immediate halt to all offensive military operations. Hamas releases 33 Israeli hostages, including all women, elderly, and sick individuals. Israel releases approximately 990 Palestinian prisoners. Israel withdraws ground forces from most of Gaza. A massive surge of humanitarian aid β 600 trucks per day β enters Gaza.
Phase 2 (weeks 7-18): Negotiations for a permanent end to hostilities. Remaining hostages β military personnel and young men β are released. Further Israeli prisoner releases. Discussion of governance arrangements for post-war Gaza.
Phase 3: Full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and a multi-year reconstruction plan estimated at $50 billion, to be funded primarily by Gulf Arab states, the European Union, and the United States.
The deal's durability is the central question. Both sides have violated previous agreements, and the fundamental issues β Hamas governance, permanent borders, Palestinian statehood β remain unresolved. The US has committed to maintaining diplomatic pressure and has pledged reconstruction support contingent on Gaza being governed by "a reformed Palestinian Authority."
