A potential ceasefire to end the two-year war in Gaza now rests on a finely balanced exchange: the release of all Israeli hostages for a significant Israeli military pullback. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Sunday that this framework is “90 per cent” complete, with Hamas giving its preliminary approval.
The proposed agreement would require Israel to move its troops back to the “yellow line,” its position within Gaza as of mid-August. Rubio called this the “priority number one” that could be achieved “very quickly” if the final logistical hurdles are cleared.
Alongside the ceasefire terms, negotiators have secured a tentative agreement on a path forward for the region. Rubio reported that Hamas has agreed “in principle” to engage in planning for the post-war era in Gaza, a critical step toward a sustainable peace.
President Donald Trump, a key architect of the deal, has hailed it as a “great deal for Israel.” He also issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas, warning the group faces “complete obliteration” if it refuses to surrender its power. Trump added that he has secured the backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The deal is now in its final, most delicate phase. Technical teams are working to “sort of finalise the logistical piece,” a process that Rubio says will quickly reveal the true intentions of Hamas and determine the fate of the peace effort.