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US President Donald Trump touted the new Gaza peace deal as a "historic breakthrough," according to reporting by Deutsche Welle. However, the agreement, announced last week with the aim of ending the fighting and easing the humanitarian crisis in the coastal enclave, has so far resulted in another standoff between the key belligerents.

Coverage Comparison

Deutsche Welle's coverage presents a skeptical view of the peace deal's immediate prospects. The outlet notes that while the deal resembles previous arrangements in its goals, there are notable differences that could prove positive. Among these are the deal's greater detail and substance, signals from Trump that he may be more willing to push Israel toward acceptance, and a significant shift by Hamas, which has agreed to disarm after years of resisting such a move.

The reporting emphasizes that the main hurdle remains the sequencing of events. Israel has demanded that Hamas disarm before Israel withdraws its troops from Gaza. Until last month, Hamas had refused to disarm until Israel pulled back its forces, leading to a prolonged stalemate.

Key Claims

  • Trump described the deal as a "historic breakthrough."
  • The deal is more detailed and substantive than previous arrangements.
  • Hamas has agreed to disarm.
  • Israel has insisted that Hamas disarm before Israeli troops withdraw from Gaza.
  • The Israeli military has killed over 73,000 people in Gaza, leading a UN independent commission of inquiry to classify its behavior as genocide.

Background

The deal follows a conflict that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas sent fighters into Israel, resulting in over 1,000 deaths and triggering an ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza. According to Deutsche Welle, the Israeli military has killed over 73,000 people there, and a UN independent commission of inquiry has classified the military's behavior as genocide.

In early July, Hamas agreed to hand over power to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a group of independent technocrats established to govern the territory. Later that month, the group also agreed to hand over its weapons to the NCAG.

Experts quoted by Deutsche Welle suggest that Hamas's agreement to disarm, after years of promoting armed resistance, should be taken seriously. Muhammad Shehada, a visiting fellow with the Middle East and North Africa program at the European Council, is cited in this context.