How the Gaza deal could change the Middle East

Bottom line in front —Could a Gaza peace deal bring benefits beyond the besieged Gaza Strip? That’s the tantalizing hope expressed by several U.S. officials and Middle East negotiators involved in the long and arduous process to hammer out a hostage ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The agreement was still awaiting final approval by the Israeli government as of late Thursday. .

What matters to Gaza residents is the deal itself and its six-week ceasefire provisions. During this period, Israeli forces retreated to a small buffer zone along the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip. a significant influx of much-needed humanitarian assistance; And helping tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees in Gaza return home. At least for those who still have homes left. For Israelis, the agreement includes a promise to return hostages still held in Gaza and to return to their home country Israeli soldiers fighting a difficult war in Gaza.