News that a deal to end the Gaza war is “90 per cent done” has been met with a mixture of profound hope and deep skepticism. While the prospect of peace is welcome, the history of the conflict has taught observers to be cautious.
The hope stems from the confident assertions of US officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement, coupled with President Donald Trump’s strong endorsement, suggests that a significant diplomatic breakthrough has indeed occurred. The “basic” agreement from Hamas is a tangible reason for optimism.
The core of the deal—exchanging hostages for an Israeli pullback to the “yellow line”—is a pragmatic formula that could realistically be implemented. For the families of hostages and civilians in Gaza, this offers the first real glimmer of relief in two years.
However, skepticism remains deeply entrenched. The agreement by Hamas is only “in principle,” and the plan for a post-war Gaza is described in vague “generalities.” Furthermore, the deal’s reliance on a stark threat from President Trump raises questions about its sustainability.
As negotiators work on the final logistical details, the world remains divided between hoping for the best and bracing for disappointment. The final 10 percent of the deal will determine whether hope or skepticism wins the day.
Hope and Skepticism Greet News of Near-Final Gaza Deal
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