By Taghreed Saadeh
Israeli writer and activist Gershon Baskin welcomed the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel and Hamas had signed the first phase of a peace plan for the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that this step effectively marks the end of the war and the end of Hamas’s rule in the territory after more than 18 years in power.
In a post on his Facebook account titled “Brief Initial Notes on Some Thoughts This Morning,” Baskin said the agreement is the result of intense pressure from Trump, his advisor Jared Kushner, and businessman Steve Whitcov, alongside effective mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, which helped bring the parties closer together.
Baskin explained that he participated in the negotiations through unofficial back channels, communicating with Hamas leaders outside Gaza and relaying proposals and information to the U.S. side. He was not part of the official meetings with Israel and did not participate in signing the agreement, emphasizing that his role was limited to facilitating communication and encouraging Hamas to engage in the final agreement.
According to the announcement posted by Trump on the Truth Social platform, the first phase of the plan includes the Israeli army’s withdrawal to agreed-upon lines, the release of all Israeli hostages, the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and the delivery of substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza under international supervision.
Baskin noted that the agreement “could have been reached at least a year earlier, but the previous Israeli government rejected similar initiatives due to domestic political costs,” adding that U.S. efforts this time were decisive and unavoidable for any party involved.
The writer also indicated that the next phase will involve the formation of a new civilian Palestinian administration in Gaza, supported by Egypt and Qatar, “which practically marks the end of Hamas’s military and political rule,” he said.
Baskin further stated: “President Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. Steve Whitcov is the dealmaker without whom none of this would have happened. Whitcov speaks on behalf of the President, and everyone knows that. Jared Kushner’s role at this stage was crucial, as Ron Dermer will soon work for Kushner rather than Netanyahu. Involving Kushner in the final negotiation round was a smart move that blocked Dermer’s traditional efforts to frustrate any chance of ending the war. The head of Turkish intelligence, close to Whitcov and Hamas, also played a decisive role in pressuring Hamas to accept the agreement and remain at the negotiation table.”
Baskin highlighted that the next phase will establish a new civilian Palestinian administration in Gaza, signaling the end of Hamas’s military and political control.
He added that in his post, he described how, at 2 a.m., all participants entered a large room arranged with tables and chairs in a square. The Israeli delegations sat facing Hamas representatives. It was the first time in history that official Israeli officials and Hamas representatives sat in the same room. The agreement was signed, and now full implementation awaits. “Finally, we can breathe again,” Baskin wrote.
Further details about the second phase of the U.S. plan are expected in the coming weeks, including reconstruction efforts in Gaza and gradual normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, supported by Washington, Doha, Cairo, and Ankara.
Baskin previously played a pivotal role in the 2011 prisoner exchange deal for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, maintaining long-standing secret communication channels with Hamas leaders in Gaza.
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