Donald Trump made a swift visit to Israel and Egypt to celebrate the ceasefire and hostage exchange deal in Gaza, presenting it as a historic achievement.
During speeches in Jerusalem and Sharm el-Sheikh, Trump appeared to relish his influence, enjoying applause and the presence of numerous world leaders.
A veteran diplomat noted that Trump seemed to view other leaders as supporting actors in his narrative.
Trump claimed that his deal-making skills had produced what might be the greatest deal of all, though observers cautioned that the conflict's resolution is far from complete.
Trump's involvement was decisive in securing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's agreement to terms he had previously rejected.
The ceasefire and hostage exchange were facilitated by Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt, who leveraged their influence over Hamas.
However, the agreement is limited to a ceasefire and prisoner exchange and does not constitute a peace agreement or the start of a peace process.
The next phase of Trump's 20-point plan involves demilitarizing Gaza and establishing governance by a Palestinian-inclusive committee reporting to a Board of Peace chaired by Trump, but significant details remain unresolved.
The Gaza ceasefire is fragile, with early violations already emerging.
Hamas has returned only four of the 28 bodies of hostages killed during captivity, citing difficulties locating graves amid Gaza's rubble.
Israel has responded by halving aid to Gaza and keeping the Rafah border crossing with Egypt closed until Hamas fulfills its obligations.
Extremist Israeli officials oppose the deal, advocating for continued military pressure.
The Israel Defense Forces still occupy 55% of Gaza and have recently killed Palestinians approaching their positions, following pre-ceasefire engagement rules that involve warning shots and live fire, though Palestinians are unaware of these boundaries.
Hamas is reasserting control within Gaza, with armed members confronting rival factions and executing alleged collaborators, signaling its survival despite Israel's offensive.
Trump's plan includes deploying an International Stabilisation Force to Gaza, but this is contingent on a stable ceasefire.
Hamas has indicated willingness to relinquish some heavy weapons but refuses full disarmament, maintaining its ideology of resistance and concern over reprisals from Palestinian rivals.
Netanyahu has warned that Israel may act unilaterally to disarm Hamas if others do not.
Trump has proclaimed that his Gaza deal will end longstanding Arab-Jewish conflicts and lead to broader Middle East peace.
However, experts emphasize that peace requires sustained diplomatic effort, political will, and painful compromises from both sides.
Past U.S.
presidents have also aimed for Middle East peace, only to find that presidential power alone cannot guarantee it.
The current ceasefire, while a step forward, is not a definitive solution, and the path to lasting peace remains complex and uncertain.