Hugo Bachega
Middle East correspondent

The ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, announced after intense negotiations in Egypt, is a long-awaited breakthrough that brings them closer to ending the two-year-old war in Gaza.

But, despite the momentum, there is no guarantee that this will happen.

The main difference in these efforts has been the personal involvement of President Donald Trump, who has put pressure not only on Hamas but also on Israel for an agreement.

This is a major diplomatic victory for someone who wants to be seen as the man who ended the war – and, in the process, be rewarded for it.

What has been agreed is the first phase of a plan the president announced at the White House last week alongside the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been accused of sabotaging efforts for a deal in the past.

This time, Trump, reportedly impatient and irritated with Netanyahu, appears to have used the power only the Americans have to influence Israel, leaving the prime minister with no option other than engage with the process.

Threatened by Trump with “complete obliteration”, Hamas was under intense pressure too. Arab and Muslim countries embraced the president’s plan, and there was heavy involvement from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey in the negotiations.

This is, without a doubt, a significant moment but there is no guarantee that a peace deal for Gaza will happen, as crucial details still need to be worked out. They include the key Israeli demand that Hamas must disarm, the extent of the Israeli withdrawal and a plan for who will govern Gaza.