KQED's Forum Trump and World Leaders Sign Gaza Ceasefire Deal
Oct 14, 2025
Patrick Wintour, the diplomatic editor of The Guardian, discusses the complex dynamics of the newly signed ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Zack Beauchamp from Vox highlights Israeli public sentiment towards the war and the implications of the hostage recovery. Gershon Baskin, a peace activist, shares insights from his behind-the-scenes mediation efforts. The conversation delves into the future of Gaza, ongoing challenges to the ceasefire, and the strategic motivations of world leaders, including Trump, in pushing for peace.
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Episode notes
Phase One Is Clearer Than Later Steps
- Phase one included hostage releases, large prisoner exchanges, partial Israeli withdrawal, and promised aid flows.
- Zack Beauchamp warns that later phases (disarmament, international policing) remain vague and full of risky details.
Back-Channel Talks Behind The Deal
- Gershon Baskin served as an interlocutor between Steve Witkoff and Hamas for months, helping broker talks.
- He describes unprecedented direct contacts, including U.S. envoy talks with Hamas negotiators.
Doha Attack Changed U.S. Calculus
- The Doha incident shifted U.S. calculations and accelerated mediation efforts by Trump and regional partners.
- Gershon Baskin says that event, plus Trump's leverage, triggered a pivot toward ending the war.
