Negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have reached a critical juncture, with many unresolved issues lingering. The ceasefire agreement includes the release of hostages and prisoners, but significant details regarding the future governance of Gaza and the timeline for an Israeli withdrawal remain unclear.

As the ceasefire begins, thousands of Palestinians displaced in southern Gaza are returning to their homes in the north, hopeful that the truce will hold. However, the agreement lacks clarity on key points, such as the date for a full Israeli withdrawal and the governance of Gaza post-conflict. The last ceasefire collapsed in March, and this new deal, while more comprehensive, faces challenges due to conflicting positions between the parties involved.

One major hurdle is the disarmament of Hamas. The group has indicated it may be willing to relinquish its missiles but has not committed to disarming entirely. Hamas has previously stated it would only disarm after the establishment of a Palestinian state. In response to the U.S. plan, Hamas did not mention disarmament, raising concerns about the feasibility of the agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israeli forces will remain in Gaza until Hamas disarms. He emphasized the need to pressure Hamas, saying, "We grapple Hamas. We grapple it all around, ahead of the next stages of the plan, in which Hamas is disarmed and Gaza is demilitarized."

The Trump administration's 20-point plan outlines a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces, contingent on the demilitarization of Gaza. However, the specifics of this withdrawal, including the standards and timelines, have not been made public. Netanyahu has expressed skepticism about the Palestinian Authority's (PA) role in Gaza, stating that it would require significant reforms to assume control.

The plan suggests that Gaza would be governed by a temporary committee of Palestinians and international experts until a reformed PA could take over. However, Netanyahu has ruled out any role for the PA without substantial changes, including ending financial incentives for violence and changing educational materials that promote hatred.

As the ceasefire takes effect, mediators from the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey will work to establish a lasting peace. However, Netanyahu's recent statements indicate a firm stance against the establishment of a Palestinian state, complicating the prospects for a durable resolution. He has reiterated that there will be no Palestinian state, stating, "This place belongs to us. We will safeguard our heritage, our land, and our security."

The ongoing conflict has hardened attitudes on both sides, and the long-term impact on future generations remains uncertain. The path to peace appears fraught with challenges, as both sides must navigate deeply entrenched positions and historical grievances.