Hostages have been released, leading to emotional reunions for families in Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have paused their operations in Gaza, allowing Palestinians to return to their homes. However, Hamas has taken control of the areas vacated by the IDF, reportedly conducting public executions to reassert its authority.

The recent peace agreement mirrors past arrangements made over the last 40 years. In this instance, Israel exchanged a hundred prisoners for the release of living hostages, a ratio considered low by historical standards. The IDF's withdrawal from certain territories has raised concerns in Israeli security circles, where the term "mowing the grass" is used to describe the cyclical nature of dealing with terrorism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially received broad support for his stance against Hamas, pledging that the group would not be allowed to regain strength.

Despite this, Netanyahu's approach has faced criticism. Observers noted that he could have negotiated a deal for hostages and a ceasefire much earlier, without needing intervention from former President Donald Trump. The agreement reached under Trump's influence has been viewed as less favorable for Israel than what Netanyahu could have achieved independently.

The new security force in Gaza will be multilateral, potentially involving troops from Turkey, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Questions remain about how effectively these forces will disarm and de-radicalize Hamas, especially with financial support from Gulf nations flowing into Gaza. This situation has provided Hamas with an opportunity to recover, while also increasing the influence of countries like Turkey and Qatar in the region.

Netanyahu's long-standing opposition to a Palestinian state has been challenged by this agreement, which suggests a future openness to such a possibility. This shift comes after the recognition of a Palestinian state by several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Australia, which Netanyahu had previously criticized as detrimental to peace efforts.

At a recent summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Trump emphasized the financial aspects of his Middle East policy, stating, "A lot of cash, unlimited cash!" This focus on financial incentives has led to a deal that, while returning hostages, appears to favor Hamas and Gulf Arab interests over those of Israel. The implications of this new arrangement suggest that the future dynamics in the region may be more influenced by Gulf states than by Israel itself.