For Israel, Hamas and Trump’s Peace Plan, Now Comes the Hard Part

The recent cease-fire between Israel and Hamas has brought a fragile calm to the Gaza Strip, but the real challenge lies ahead: convincing the militant group to disarm and commit to a long-term peace agreement. The truce, brokered by international mediators, has seen Hamas release hostages and agree to a temporary halt in hostilities, but persuading the group to lay down its arms and abandon its militant ideology is a far more daunting task.The Israeli government, along with the international community, is keenly aware that a lasting peace requires more than just a cease-fire. The Trump administration's peace plan, unveiled in January, proposes a two-state solution with a demilitarized Palestinian state, but Hamas has rejected the plan, viewing it as a betrayal of Palestinian rights. The group's leader, Ismail Haniyeh, has vowed to continue the fight against Israel, citing the need to defend Palestinian territory and interests.Despite these challenges, Israeli officials remain optimistic about the prospects for a lasting peace. They point to the fact that Hamas has, for the first time, acknowledged Israel's right to exist and has released hostages, indicating a potential willingness to engage in dialogue. However, they also acknowledge that much work remains to be done to convince Hamas to disarm and abandon its militant tactics.The Egyptian government, which has played a key role in mediating the cease-fire, is also working to persuade Hamas to commit to a long-term peace agreement. Egyptian officials have reportedly been in close contact with Hamas leaders, urging them to consider the benefits of a peaceful resolution. The United States, too, has been actively engaged in the peace process, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visiting Israel and the Palestinian territories last month to discuss the Trump plan.As the international community works to build on the fragile cease-fire, one thing is clear: the road to peace will be long and difficult. Hamas's disarmament and commitment to non-violence will require significant concessions and guarantees, not least of which will be a meaningful Palestinian state with economic and security support. Until then, the people of Gaza and Israel will continue to live in a state of uneasy calm, wondering if a lasting peace is within reach.