A landmark ceasefire deal for Gaza, now described as “90 per cent” complete, includes a crucial component for the territory’s future governance, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He revealed that Hamas has agreed “in principle” to engage in a plan for what happens after the two-year war with Israel ends.
This forward-looking element is part of a broader framework proposed by US President Donald Trump, which has been “basically” accepted by Hamas. While the immediate goal is securing the release of Israeli hostages, the inclusion of a post-war plan signals an attempt to create a more durable peace. Rubio acknowledged these discussions are in their infancy, stating, “A lot of details are going to have to be worked out.”
The primary and most urgent part of the deal is a hostage-exchange mechanism. Israel is expected to pull its military forces back to the “yellow line”—their position in mid-August—in exchange for the release of all hostages. The finalization of these logistics is the last major hurdle to implementation.
President Trump has strongly endorsed the entire package, calling it a “great deal for Israel.” His administration has been the driving force behind the negotiations, balancing diplomatic engagement with firm pressure. He has made it clear that Hamas must relinquish control of Gaza as part of the broader vision for peace.
The success of the deal now hinges on the final technical talks. The international community hopes that the promise of a structured post-war plan, combined with the threat of severe repercussions from the U.S., will be enough to bring the long and devastating conflict to a definitive close.