From Where We Are

What does the Israel-Hamas peace deal actually entail?

A large, white sign reads "PEACE 2025." Trump and el-Sissi hold their signed documents in green folders.
President Donald Trump and Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi hold signed documents during a summit to support ending the more than two-year Israel-Hamas war in Gaza after a breakthrough ceasefire deal, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

After President Trump signed what he called a “historic” Israel-Hamas peace deal, experts say the agreement is far from complete. USC professors emphasize that rebuilding Gaza, restoring Palestinian authority, and ensuring equal sovereignty remain unresolved — and that without deeper structural change, lasting peace is unlikely.