CAIRO — A breakthrough deal has paused the two-year war in Gaza, raising hopes for an end to one of the region’s deadliest conflicts.

But key questions remain over whether the agreement hailed by U.S. President Donald Trump as “a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace” can truly deliver lasting stability.

Here’s what to know about the deal, its terms, and the uncertain path ahead.

The agreement — reached after intensive mediation by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey — sets in motion an initial phase that will see:

• The release of the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages within days.

• The release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.

• The return of around 28 bodies of deceased hostages, though this may take longer for logistical reasons.

• A partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas of Gaza.

• Hundreds of humanitarian aid trucks entering Gaza daily as the ceasefire takes hold.

Negotiations on the next phases — including Israel’s full withdrawal and Gaza’s future governance — will begin once the initial steps are completed.

The deal still requires approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet and the Knesset, expected Thursday evening.

Once ratified, Israel will begin a limited troop pullback, though the full extent of the withdrawal has not been made public.

Hamas has agreed to release the hostages as an initial confidence-building step, relying on what it calls “solid guarantees” from Washington that Israel will later withdraw completely.

Will Israel withdraw all its troops from Gaza?

That remains unclear. While Hamas insists on a total withdrawal, Israel has indicated it plans to retain some military presence, particularly in a buffer zone inside Gaza and along the Philadelphi Corridor on the border with Egypt.

Trump’s proposed 20-point plan envisions an Arab-led international security force taking over security in Gaza, supported by Palestinian police trained by Egypt and Jordan, with Israeli forces leaving as those deployments take place.

Whether that model is adopted or replaced by a new arrangement is still to be determined.

What about Hamas’ weapons?

Israel’s leadership, including Netanyahu, has repeatedly said the war will not be over until Hamas is fully disarmed and its military infrastructure — including its vast tunnel network — dismantled.

Arab officials familiar with the talks say Hamas has signaled willingness to consider “decommissioning” its offensive weapons, possibly handing them to a joint Palestinian-Egyptian committee as part of the disarmament process.

Gaza’s postwar political landscape remains the most contentious issue.

• Israel wants Gaza “purged of Hamas influence” and opposes any return of the Palestinian Authority (PA) or a process that could lead to an independent Palestinian state.

• Hamas has agreed to step down from direct governance but insists that Gaza’s next administration should be formed “among Palestinians themselves”, respecting their right to sovereignty.

Under Trump’s plan, an international transitional body — referred to as the Council of Peace or Board of Peace — would govern Gaza. It would include international and Arab representatives, oversee reconstruction, and manage coordination with Palestinian technocrats handling daily administration.

Early drafts named former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as a potential head of the council.

What are the risks if the deal falters?

Analysts warn that without consistent diplomatic pressure, the agreement could unravel quickly.

If negotiations stall, Gaza could slip into a fragile limbo, with Israeli troops holding parts of the enclave and Hamas maintaining underground influence. That would leave reconstruction efforts paralyzed and more than 2 million Gazans facing prolonged displacement.

How are both sides reacting?

• In Israel, the agreement has been largely welcomed. The release of the last hostages fulfills a top public demand after two years of anguish.

• In Gaza, residents expressed cautious relief. Many hope the pause in airstrikes and ground operations will bring respite, but skepticism remains high over whether the truce will hold and whether destroyed neighborhoods will ever be rebuilt.
  
  Some fear Israel could seize on any delay or breach in implementation as justification to resume its military operations.
  
  What’s next?

The coming weeks will test whether the guarantors — the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey — can sustain pressure on both sides to move toward a comprehensive agreement.

The broader questions of disarmament, governance, and reconstruction remain unresolved. Without progress on those fronts, experts warn the war’s end could prove only temporary and Gaza’s humanitarian crisis may continue. — Agencies