A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been established, aiming to halt hostilities in the Gaza Strip. This deal is anticipated to bring relief by ending the bombardment, lifting the siege, and facilitating a prisoner exchange. Several influential figures played pivotal roles in negotiating this ceasefire.
Key Figures Behind the Gaza Ceasefire
Donald Trump
As the former President of the United States, Donald Trump has been a significant ally to Israel. During his administration, Trump supported military actions that resulted in substantial casualties in Gaza. His recent 20-point peace plan formed the basis for ongoing negotiations.
Steve Witkoff
Appointed as a U.S. Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff participated directly in the final discussions held in Egypt. A prominent New York real estate developer, he later journeyed to Israel to ensure U.S. approval for the ceasefire agreement.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been at the forefront of the recent conflict. With multiple terms since the mid-1990s, he faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes, which he contests.
Khalil al-Hayya
Khalil al-Hayya serves as Hamas’s chief negotiator. Based in Doha, he survived an Israeli operation in Qatar and has previously commended attacks on Israel during the current conflict, adding to his significance in the negotiations.
Jared Kushner
Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, played an influential role in early talks during Trump’s presidency. He joined Witkoff in the negotiations in Egypt and remains involved in business matters within the Gulf region.
Tony Blair
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been mentioned as a possible interim governor for Gaza under Trump’s peace framework. However, he faces skepticism from Palestinian representatives due to his historical actions in the Middle East.
Ron Dermer
Ron Dermer, Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs, is a trusted ally of Netanyahu. He led the Israeli delegation during recent talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, indicating his central role in shaping the ceasefire efforts.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
The Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, participated as a key player in the ceasefire discussions. Representing Qatar—a notable intermediary in Middle Eastern diplomacy—he underscores the nation’s involvement in facilitating negotiations.
Conclusion
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas involves critical contributions from numerous figures across political and diplomatic arenas. Their collective efforts aim to establish lasting peace in the region while addressing ongoing humanitarian concerns.
