Arab states’ role in ceasefire talksWe wait with hope that the first stage of the proposed peace plan enables urgent humanitarian aid into Gaza, the return of the hostages, Israel stops further destruction and a ceasefire is lasting. Peter Hartcher and Matthew Knott’s articles (10/10) fail to emphasise strongly enough the involvement of the Arab states in bringing this first part of the plan to fruition. It needs to be remembered that Israel bombed Doha and the Qataris were outraged and pressured Donald Trump into decisive action with Netanyahu. Trump does not want to incur the wrath of the Arab states, as he hopes to have continued economic relationships with them.Judith Morrison, Nunawading

Hamas waited too long to agreeHaving read the reported conditions Hamas have agreed to, I fail to understand why they didn’t agree sooner – saving thousands of lives (“What we know so far about the Gaza deal”, 9/10).David Carlyon, Sandringham

Praise for Trump ridiculousThe US president deserves condemnation for funding the war in Gaza, not praise for finally deciding to force Israel to a weak, partial, short-term solution (“US president deserves praise for forcing the breakthrough” 10/10). Without the continuous support of the US, the worst horrors of the genocide through starvation and murder in Gaza would not have happened. To praise someone for threatening Israel with withdrawal of support to force it to negotiate is ridiculous.Tim Woodruff, Richmond

Get the prize over withPlease give Trump a prize and give the rest of us some peace.Graham Cadd, Dromana

Questions remainPeter Hartcher (“Trump’s Gaza deal”, 10/10) injects a hard reality into the outbreaks of euphoria. Many questions remain. Is this promised break in hostilities a way-point along the road to inevitable peace for the region? Are these agonies just part of the process towards an unseen destiny for humanity?However, Hartcher makes no bones about the “unquenchable hatred” alive and well on both sides, beyond the reach of diplomacy and everyday politics, let alone love. So, it’s likely the conflict will go on for another 2000 years, without overwhelming force to eradicate it.Trevor Kerr, Blackburn