Donald Trump has adopted a noble cause
Whatever happens Friday morning (October 10) with the Nobel Peace Prize, Donald Trump can, at least have the satisfaction of knowing he’s adopted a noble cause.
He has brought hope and happiness to millions.
In Gaza. In Israel. In the region. In the world.
However tremulous the peace that has broken out in Gaza, Mr Trump can, at least, take satisfaction in bringing the smile back to so many faces and allowing hope to shine once more from the eyes of a people broken by two years of relentless war.
As The Economist has noted, it’s “a triumph for Mr Trump’s transactional, bullying style of diplomacy”.
The US president is entitled to exult, at least for now. And he is. He has hailed a “momentous breakthrough”. He has told an interviewer, “This is more than Gaza, this is peace in the Middle East”.
It isn’t…not yet.
Mr Trump’s push to end Israel’s punishing military operations in Gaza means agreement has been reached for a ceasefire. No more.
Israeli foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin that the shelling will end and a full ceasefire in force 24 hours after the Israeli cabinet approves the agreement. Hamas will then have three days to return the hostages. Israeli troops will partially retreat from Gaza. Humanitarian aid will then flood into Gaza. Israel is expected to then begin releasing Palestinian prisoners.
This is day 1 of phase 1.
The road ahead to peace is winding, bumpy and full of potholes, some so big they can swallow peace-makers whole. There are plenty of potential sticking points. Many fraught actions need to be executed, in sequence, on time, in order that war be kept at bay.
