A nearly-finalized deal to end the Gaza war contains the seeds of a new chapter for the troubled territory, with Hamas tentatively agreeing to participate in talks about its post-war future. This element, though still undefined, looks beyond a simple ceasefire toward a more sustainable political solution.
According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Hamas has agreed “in principle and generalities” to engage with “this idea about what’s going to happen afterwards.” This marks a significant, albeit preliminary, step toward addressing the root causes of the conflict by discussing governance and stability.
This forward-looking component is part of a broader deal that Rubio says is “90 per cent done.” The immediate priority remains the release of hostages in exchange for an Israeli pullback. However, the inclusion of post-war planning suggests a US strategy aimed at preventing a future relapse into violence.
The path forward is far from clear. President Donald Trump has made his vision plain: Hamas must cede power. His threat of “complete obliteration” is tied not just to the hostage deal but to this broader demand for a fundamental change in Gaza’s leadership.
While the details remain to be worked out, Hamas’s willingness to even enter this conversation is a notable development. It opens the door, however slightly, to a future where Gaza’s governance is part of a negotiated peace rather than a source of perpetual conflict.
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