A Game of Trust: Can Hamas and Israel Adhere to the New Agreement?

The newly accepted peace deal is fundamentally a game of trust between two sworn enemies, Hamas and Israel. The success or failure of the entire agreement will depend on whether each side believes the other will adhere to its commitments, a fragile prospect given the long history of mutual suspicion.
For Israel, the primary concern is security. It will need to trust that Hamas will release all the hostages as promised and that the disarmament process, a key part of the 20-point plan, will be fully implemented. The establishment of a technocratic government is a step, but Israel will be watching closely for any signs of Hamas’s continued military influence.
For Hamas, the issue of trust centers on the Israeli withdrawal. They will need to be confident that Israeli forces will withdraw completely from all Palestinian territories and that the ceasefire will be permanent. Any perception that Israel is using the deal as a tactical pause before resuming hostilities could cause the agreement to collapse.
The role of mediators and international guarantors will be crucial in building this trust. Verification mechanisms will need to be put in place to monitor the hostage release, the withdrawal, and the ceasefire. Public statements of commitment from both sides, as well as from international partners like the United States, will also be important.
Ultimately, trust will be built through actions, not words. The first few days of implementation will be a critical test. If the bombing stops, the hostages begin to be released, and the withdrawal commences, a virtuous cycle of trust could be established. If not, the deep-seated mistrust will likely resurface, and this rare opportunity for peace will be lost.