I note this, from the Guardian:

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first phase” of a peace plan to pause fighting and release some hostages and prisoners held in Gaza, bringing the best hope yet of a definitive end to a bloody two-year conflict that has killed ten of thousands, destabilised much of the Middle East and prompted protests across the world.

Donald Trump announced the agreement on his Truth Social network saying all of the hostages held in Gaza would be released soon and Israel would withdraw troops to an agreed upon line as the first step to a “Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace”.

Then I note this, also from the Guardian:

Gaza's civil defence agency has reported several strikes on the territory on Thursday after the announcement that Hamas and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire plan.

“Since the announcement last night of an agreement on a proposed ceasefire framework in Gaza, several explosions have been reported, particularly in areas of northern Gaza,” said one of the agency's officials, Mohammed Al-Mughayyir.

He cited “a series of intense airstrikes” on Gaza City, Agence France-Presse reports.

So, is there a peace deal, or not?

And is it sustainable, as many would hope?

And will suffering end?

I am pleased Hamas agreed to a deal.

But forgive me if I wonder whether it is strong, durable, and everlasting.

I have heard of too many peace deals in my life where none of the causes of conflict have been addressed to be sure of that.