Discussion with experts on Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal and Middle East stability

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring you today's most pressing issues from across the globe, I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

After 15 months of brutal conflict and deadlock, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has finally been brokered, bringing a temporary halt to the violence that has devastated the region.

With former U.S. President Joe Biden and the incumbent Donald Trump both claiming credit for influencing the deal, the situation is ripe for intense scrutiny.

As the ceasefire begins in phases, questions loom over its long-term viability, the unresolved humanitarian crisis, and the broader geopolitical consequences.

So will this agreement hold? and what does it mean for the future of the Middle East?

For this, we invite Moamen Gouda, Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies to the studio with us. Welcome.

Also joining us is Seunghoon Paik, Researcher at the Institute of Middle East Studies

1. (Gouda) The Israeli government has given final approval for a ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. What is the background of the agreement reached after 15 months of deadlock in the negotiations between the two sides?

2. (Paik) Following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, both former U.S. President Joe Biden and his successor Donald Trump have each highlighted their roles in the process. I wonder what are your thoughts, Dr. Paik, do you think this is the result of Biden's persistent diplomacy, or is it the outcome of strong pressure from the Trump side?

3. (Gouda) The ceasefire, which went into effect on January 19th, is being implemented in three major phases. Could you remind us, what are the key contents of each phase?

4. (Paik) So the first phase, which is to last six weeks, is being carried out, as Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are being exchanged, both sides are expected to conduct negotiations for phases two and three aimed at a permanent ceasefire. What variables do you think will affect the negotiations over the terms of the agreement?

5. (Gouda) In a disappointing announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his country "reserves the right" to resume the war at any time, with continued U.S. support. So he's trying to stress that the ceasefire could only be temporary depending on Hamas' actions. What do you think is the intention behind this statement?

6. (Paik) Although the Israeli cabinet has approved the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, internal conflicts, including opposition from far-right factions, are raising doubts about the sustainability of the ceasefire. How do you view the situation?

7. (Gouda) Despite the agreement on the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, what humanitarian issues, such as civilian casualties, still need to be addressed?

8. (Paik) What changes have occurred in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas war that lasted for one year and three months?

9. (Gouda) Meanwhile, some experts warn that the unstable geopolitical landscape following the weakening of Hamas and Hezbollah's power could create an opportunity for new waves of Islamic extremism, further destabilizing the region. What are your thoughts?

10. (Paik) Former President Trump has declared that a peace policy based on power will continue in the Middle East. Is there a possibility that he will pursue a "maximum pressure" strategy against Iran, as he did during his first term? If so, what impact do you think this could have on the Middle East situation?