After months of talks a deal has been done for a ceasefire in Gaza, with it set to start on the weekend with the first phase to include the release of some Israeli hostages.  

Incoming US president Donald Trump has taken credit for it and his impending inauguration did give the negotiations a boost.

Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on whether peace will hold.

He says there's enormous relief felt on both sides, with Israelis overjoyed at the prospect of getting hostages back and Palestinians desperate for a break from the violence. 

He highlights the significant pressure placed on Prime Minister Netanyahu by Trump to finalise the deal before his inauguration. 

Dr. Ibish also discusses the complexities of the agreement, including the phased approach and the challenges of ensuring a lasting peace. 

He notes the potential for renewed conflict if key actors are not fully committed to the ceasefire.

Featured: 

Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute

Key Topics:

• Gaza ceasefire
• Israeli hostages
• Donald Trump
• Benjamin Netanyahu
• Joe Biden
• Humanitarian aid
• Hamas
• Palestinian Authority
• Rebuilding Gaza
• Middle East peace process
• US foreign policy