Israel agrees to 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, but many unanswered questions remain

In the long war in Gaza, this is a significant moment.

For the people of Gaza, for the Israeli hostages and their families - this could be the moment when it ends. 

The main question - will Hamas accept what Israel has agreed to: a 60-day ceasefire?

At the weekend, a source at the center of the negotiations told me: "Both Hamas and Israel are refusing to budge from their stance - Hamas wants the ceasefire to last until a permanent agreement is reached.

"Israel is against this. At this point, only President Trump can break this deadlock."

The source added: "If Trump doesn't push, we're at an impasse." 

The problem is that the announcement now made by Donald Trump - which is his summarized version on social media of what Israel has actually agreed to - may only constitute Israel's already established position.

We do not know the details and conditions attached to Israel's proposals. 

Would Israeli troops withdraw from Gaza? Completely? Or partially? How many Palestinian prisoners would they agree to release from Israeli jails? And why only 60 days? Why not a full ceasefire? What are they asking Hamas for in return?

We simply don't know the answers to any of these questions, except for one. 

We know why Israel wants a 60-day ceasefire, not a permanent one. It's all about domestic politics.

If Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were to agree to a permanent ceasefire now, the far-right in his coalition would topple his government.

Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have been clear about their desire for the war to continue. They hold the balance of power in Mr. Netanyahu's coalition. 

If Mr Netanyahu accepts just 60 days - which he could instead sell as a pause - then that could appease the far right for a few weeks until the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, adjourns for the summer.

It is also no coincidence that the US president has called for Mr. Netanyahu's corruption trial to be canceled.

Without the prospect of prison, Mr Netanyahu may be more willing to give up the fight, safe in the knowledge that the focus will not immediately shift to his political and legal vulnerability. Translated by Sky News