SOME of the lessons of history are unforgettable.
It is also a fact that history repeats itself. The so-called Peace Accord between Hamas and Israel seemed fragile, non-workable and shaky from day one. It reminded us of the Treaty of Versailles signed at the end of the First World War between Central Powers and Allies. Germany felt humiliated but had to accept the terms of the Treaty as there seemed no other option. But it gave perfect ground to Hitler to cultivate and create an atmosphere just within two decades to challenge the victors of the World War-1 by attacking Poland in1939. Though he lost but the fact remains that pacts, agreements, accords which are unjust, not based on mutual respect and are forced on the weaker, do not last long. The history repeated itself in Sharam-Al-Shaikh two weeks back only the participants were different. Days after signing of Agreement, questions and objections have started pouring in, threatening an Agreement, ink on which has not even dried yet.
As of October 2025, Israel and Hamas are in the early stages of a fragile ceasefire, rather than having reached a comprehensive peace deal or a full surrender. This truce was initiated as the first phase of a US-led peace plan. Both, Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States, Egypt, Turkiye and Qatar. The deal, part of a broader 20-point plan from the Trump Administration, officially went into effect on October 10. As part of the first phase, Hamas released the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages in mid-October. In exchange, Israel freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Though the agreement requires a significant increase in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, aid groups report that restrictions and logistical issues are still hindering deliveries. The deal mandated a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces to agreed-upon perimeter lines, which was completed within 24 hours of the ceasefire’s start. The US military, along with forces from Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the UAE, is establishing a Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in Israel to monitor the agreement.
Despite the current truce, major points of contention remain. Israel has long insisted that Hamas disarm and relinquish governance of Gaza, while Hamas has publicly rejected calls to give up its weapons. Hamas sees disarmament as a “national issue” for all Palestinian factions. Past ceasefire attempts have collapsed and deep mutual distrust persists between the parties. Experts note the current arrangement is vulnerable to breakdown. Incidents of violence and accusations of truce violations have already occurred.
The ultimate governance of Gaza after the war is a major unsolved issue. While the plan calls for an interim administration of Palestinian technocrats overseen by an international security force, Hamas has stated that it remains an essential part of any future political framework. Israeli moves related to West Bank settlements threaten long-term peace prospects. Some Israeli lawmakers have pushed for applying Israeli law to settlements, a move that the US has called an “insult” to the peace plan. The Palestinian Authority, which could potentially govern Gaza, continues to face fiscal and institutional weakness, with Israel withholding Palestinian tax revenues. The widespread destruction and massive debris in Gaza complicate efforts to locate the remaining deceased hostages and rebuild the territory. The Trump administration is seeking a quick resolution to the conflict. However, US officials privately acknowledge the deal is fragile and that many challenges remain. Tough many countries have welcomed the ceasefire but caution that it is only the beginning of a long and difficult process and stress the need for follow-through on all phases of the agreement. Trump’s plan has received wide international backing and raised hopes for an end to a devastating war that has upended global politics, left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and the Gaza Strip in ruins. It’s not clear how long the talks will last. Netanyahu said they would be confined to a few days maximum while Trump has said that Hamas must move quickly, “or else all bets will be off.” Hamas officials have warned more time may be needed to locate bodies of hostages buried under rubble.
According to Peace Plan, Israeli troops would withdraw from Gaza after Hamas disarms and an international security force would deploy. The territory would be placed under international governance, with Trump and former U.K Prime Minister, Tony Blair, overseeing it. An interim administration of Palestinian technocrats would run day-to-day affairs. Hamas would have no part in administering Gaza and its entire military infrastructure, including tunnels, would be dismantled. Members who pledge to live peacefully would be granted amnesty. Those who wish to leave Gaza can do so.
Hamas says it needs more time to locate hostages’ bodies, while major disagreements still require negotiation. A key demand for Hamas to disarm remains unresolved. Some officials suggested handing over weapons to a future Palestinian body, but the group’s official statement omitted this. Hamas rejects foreign administration of Gaza and the entry of foreign forces. The plan’s ambiguity, particularly regarding Israel’s “security perimeter presence,” raises further concerns. Given Israel’s history of broken promises and harsh treatment of Palestinians, many countries remain skeptical of the plan’s durability and its potential to deliver genuine, lasting peace in the region.
—The writer is Former Civil Servant and Consultant (ILO) & International Organisation for Migration and author of seven books.
