A nearly-finalized peace deal for Gaza has now become the ultimate test of Hamas’s sincerity, as the militant group’s “in principle” agreement faces the practical challenge of implementation. US officials have made it clear that the coming days will reveal the group’s true intentions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described the deal as “90 per cent done,” stated that the US would know “very quickly” if Hamas was serious during the current technical talks. These discussions are focused on the logistics of releasing Israeli hostages, a core component of the agreement.
The framework, proposed by President Donald Trump, requires Hamas to release all captives in exchange for an Israeli military pullback to the “yellow line.” While Hamas has “basically” agreed to this, their cooperation in coordinating the complex exchange is the final, non-negotiable proof of their commitment.
President Trump has added immense weight to this test, presenting Hamas with a binary choice. He has lauded the deal as a positive path forward but warned of “complete obliteration” if the group fails to honor its side of the bargain and relinquish control over Gaza.
Beyond the immediate hostage crisis, Hamas’s tentative agreement to discuss a post-war plan is also under scrutiny. Their engagement in these future-oriented talks will be another key indicator of whether they are making a strategic shift toward a political solution or simply buying time.