Israel’s conditional “yes” to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza has echoed across the globe, sparking a flurry of diplomatic activity. The announcement by a senior official confirmed Israel’s acceptance of a U.S.-backed deal, but made it clear that the agreement is entirely contingent on the release of all hostages and the full disarmament of Hamas.
This conditional nature of the acceptance is crucial. It is not a unilateral declaration of a ceasefire but an agreement to a specific set of reciprocal terms. This distinction has been noted in capitals around the world, which now understand that the path to peace requires significant action from Hamas.
The international response has been one of cautious optimism, with leaders welcoming Israel’s move as a constructive step while acknowledging the major hurdle that remains. The global diplomatic effort is now focused on persuading Hamas to meet the conditions laid out in the proposal.
The echo of Israel’s decision has put the Gaza conflict at the top of the international agenda. The world is now collectively holding its breath, waiting to see if Hamas’s response will allow this conditional “yes” to transform into a definitive and lasting peace.