THE „SUGAR OMELET“:

Is Lasting Peace in Gaza Possible?

By Mark Young President,

Rational Games Foundation

November 1, 2025

The pictures of freed hostages in Gaza are indeed inspiring. I can only imagine the depth of their suffering and their joy at returning home alive. Whatever the method, Donald Trump deserves sincere appreciation and thanks for this negotiation result.

Could it be that all these years, we have not given the credit he deserves as a master negotiator? Allow me to say that this situation reminds me of my childhood.

Specifically, when I had an upset stomach or something similar, my dear mother would make me a sugar omelet: A Sweet Omelet.

Just egg whites and sugar whipped up to a delicious concoction. As it more or less bypassed the stomach, it proved to be quite filling - but not for long.

This cease-fire, a result of the Trumpian fly-by mediation intervention, is also unlikely to last long. Yes, it is the first real movement towards peace in the Middle East in many years, and yes, Trump deserves credit for creatively mobilizing the Gulf States to get involved and tip the balance of power. But I fear that we will be hungry (and fighting) again quite soon.

Why I believe it is a Sugar Omelet Deal?

1. Bullied coercion seldom lasts. We don’t even know how many arms were twisted on both sides of the deal to ensure agreement. But this is certainly not win-win. The adversaries remain deeply and mutually hostile, trust is as ephemeral as ever, and the fundamental interests of both sides remain unaddressed.

2. Home fronts remain unreconciled. Managing the “home front” is a basic challenge for any negotiator, and that challenge is quite gigantic here. In Israel, the hard-right coalition partners of Likud feel their voices were not heard and are already vociferous about their united opposition to the deal and their willingness to bring down the Israeli government to stop it. On the Palestinian front, Hamas has started executing possible informers. The violence there continues unabated.

3. There is no real concept of what is ahead. The idea that Hamas will ever voluntarily give up its weapons and agree to stay out of government seems most unlikely. In the 20-point Trump plan, there is no mention of the thorny issues of the right of return, the West Bank settlements and more. Phase One indeed. Let’s hope I am wrong.

While this ceasefire offers hope, the real test lies ahead. Can this pause transform into genuine dialogue and lasting peace? Or will it remain a temporary respite before the cycle resumes? Time will tell, but we must remain engaged, critical, and hopeful.

Comments welcome.