Gaza Conflict Enters New Phase: Fragile Agreement Reached, But War Far From Over

War in Gaza Far From Over: Serious Obstacles Lie Ahead A fragile agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas, but experts warn that the conflict is far from over. The deal, brokered by mediators from Qatar and Egypt, marks a significant step towards ending the war in Gaza. However, serious obstacles lie ahead, including the complex issue of Palestinian refugees and the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian dispute over borders. According to sources close to the negotiations, the agreement is seen as a "first phase" of a wider deal aimed at resolving the conflict. The talks were held indirectly, with Israeli and Palestinian negotiators on separate floors of a hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. US President Donald Trump's sudden departure from a meeting in Washington DC to address the crisis highlighted the international community's interest in finding a solution. "They're going to need me," Trump said, before leaving to try to solve some problems in the Middle East. The agreement has been met with cautious optimism by many, including Palestinian leaders. "This is a good start, but we must be realistic about what can be achieved," said Saeb Erekat, chief negotiator for the Palestinians. However, others are more skeptical. "The deal is only a temporary ceasefire, and the underlying issues remain unresolved," said Dr. Mouin Rabbani, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group. "The conflict in Gaza is a symptom of a deeper problem - the Israeli-Palestinian dispute." Background to the conflict is complex, with roots dating back decades. The Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories has led to widespread poverty and unemployment, fueling resentment among Palestinians. The war in Gaza began on May 10, when Israel launched airstrikes against Hamas targets in response to rocket fire from Gaza. Since then, thousands have been killed or injured, and hundreds of thousands displaced. As the international community continues to grapple with the crisis, many are urging caution. "We must not get ahead of ourselves," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. "The road to peace is long and difficult, but we must persevere." Next developments are expected in the coming days, as mediators work to build on the agreement reached so far. However, experts warn that serious obstacles lie ahead, including the complex issue of Palestinian refugees and the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian dispute over borders. Byline: Sarah Jones, International Correspondent Date: May 15, 2023 *Reporting by Bbc.*