The recent Gaza ceasefire is more than a temporary truce. It is a revealing moment that exposes shifting power dynamics in the Middle East and the growing global recognition of the Palestinian struggle.

While the agreement is fragile, it has forced regional and international actors to confront realities that Israel has long tried to suppress. This ceasefire is not simply a tactical deal; it reflects a changing regional order in which the Palestinian issue has re-emerged as a central question of justice and political legitimacy.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is transactional. It was negotiated step by step, focusing on immediate exchanges and temporary measures rather than a long-term vision. It represents only the first phase of what could become a broader process, but it can also collapse at any time if parties fail to meet their commitments.

Israel enters this process with considerable military strength. It remains the dominant power on the ground. Nothing significant moves without its approval. Yet its ability to dictate terms unilaterally is being challenged by the growing involvement of regional states and global mediators. Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and the United States all played essential roles in shaping the deal. These actors are increasingly balancing Israeli power, using diplomacy, mediation, and security guarantees to shape outcomes.

The composition of the negotiating table reflects a “new Middle East.” In the past, large Arab states dominated diplomacy through pan-Arab initiatives. Today, smaller Gulf states have emerged as critical mediators because of their unique connections to both........

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