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Once the Gaza ceasefire goes into effect, what happens next? Here’s what to know

Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for the “first phase” of a plan promoted by President Donald Trump to end the devastating conflict in Gaza.

The initiative begins with a ceasefire that is expected to go into effect after Israel’s Cabinet votes on the truce agreement reached with Hamas following indirect talks in the Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. That Cabinet vote to approve the deal is expected Thursday.

Here is what to expect after the Israeli Cabinet approves the deal, according to a person briefed by Egyptian officials close to the talks who was not authorized to speak publicly. NPR has also seen a copy of the agreement that the Israeli Cabinet is voting on.

President Trump says he expects to visit the region and that the White House is “working on the timing.” Trump says he plans to go to Egypt for an “official signing.” He’s also been invited to speak to the Israeli parliament.

But this remains a delicate moment where much could still go awry. For example, Reuters reports that the list of Palestinian prisoners Israel will free is still being debated.

Reaching a lasting peace may be harder still. The next phases of President Trump’s 20-point plan require further negotiation on essential issues, including the fate of Hamas and who will rule Gaza when the fighting ends.

Here are some of the key points in the plan:

Hamas has repeatedly rejected Israel’s call for it to disarm, and after the plan was announced, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said publicly that Israel has not agreed to a Palestinian state.

And President Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” has attracted controversy for giving a role to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Blair is widely reviled — especially in the Middle East for deciding that Britain should join the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Blair’s think tank has also been criticized over leaked plans to turn Gaza into a “Trump Riviera.”

Getting both sides to agree to all these terms remains a complicated prospect. And even once a peace agreement is negotiated, applying a deal to the reality of a shattered Gaza — where entire areas have been reduced to rubble by airstrikes and bulldozers, and the population traumatized in a conflict that has forced the vast majority — will be a perhaps even bigger challenge.

NPR’s Aya Batrawy contributed to this report from Dubai. Itay Stern contributed from Tel Aviv. Michele Kelemen contributed from Washington, D.C.

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