The recent agreement to end the conflict in Gaza holds significant importance in potentially saving the lives of Israeli hostages and Palestinian civilians while also serving as a notable diplomatic achievement for U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump’s successful mediation in brokering the deal marks a major diplomatic victory during his tenure in the White House, surpassing previous efforts by his predecessor, Joe Biden, by securing the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023, and orchestrating the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Although the deal’s full implementation remains pending and the terms agreed upon by Israel and Hamas fall short of the proclaimed “eternal peace” by Trump, even some of his strongest critics have acknowledged his role in the agreement. Former national security adviser John Bolton, who was dismissed by Trump in 2019 and later criticized him in his 2020 memoir, commended the White House team for their involvement in the deal.
Bolton raised the possibility of Trump being considered for the Nobel Peace Prize if the agreement holds, although this year’s prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The accord represents a significant turnaround for Trump, who had faced skepticism for his repeated claims of being able to resolve the Gaza conflict easily.
The turning point came in early September when Israel conducted an airstrike on Doha, Qatar, a move that displeased Trump and led to diplomatic tensions. Subsequently, Trump pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the peace deal, eventually leading to its fruition. The agreement signifies the end of the war rather than a temporary ceasefire, according to Gershon Baskin, a former Israeli negotiator involved in earlier hostage releases.
Noteworthy voices, including Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal and even satirical shows like The Daily Show, have acknowledged Trump’s role in the peace deal as a significant and potentially historic achievement. Despite the accolades, the sustainability and lasting impact of the agreement remain subject to ongoing commitment and focus from all involved parties.