In a significant development, Hamas has agreed “in principle” to a US-backed plan for the aftermath of the Gaza war, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This political consensus complements a nearly-finalized ceasefire deal that Rubio says is “90 per cent done” and could end the two-year conflict.
The immediate focus of the deal is the release of all Israeli hostages. In exchange, Israel is set to pull its forces back to the “yellow line,” a military demarcation from mid-August. This hostage release is the first and most urgent component of the agreement.
Rubio explained that Hamas’s agreement on a post-war framework, while still in its general stages, is a crucial element for lasting peace. “They have also agreed, in principle and generalities, to enter into this idea about what’s going to happen afterwards,” he stated, highlighting the dual-track nature of the negotiations.
The entire initiative has been championed by President Donald Trump, who praised it as a “great deal for Israel.” He also sent a clear message to Hamas, threatening “complete obliteration” if the group does not cede control of Gaza. Trump assured that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also on board with the plan.
With the main political and military terms seemingly settled, the final step involves working out the logistics of the hostage exchange. These technical talks will serve as the definitive test of Hamas’s commitment, with an outcome expected shortly.
