Trump Announces Israel–Hamas Agreement on First Phase of Gaza Peace Deal
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of his Gaza Peace Plan, a breakthrough that could pave the way for a long-awaited ceasefire and the release of hostages held since last year’s conflict.
This means that all of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.
Trump praised mediators Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye for their pivotal role in the negotiations.
🔑 Key Elements of the Deal
According to U.S. officials and regional mediators, the initial phase includes:
- The release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza
- The exchange of 20 living captives for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences
- The withdrawal of Israeli forces to a designated line within Gaza
- The entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave
The Prisoner Exchange
(including 250 life sentences)
Timeline: A senior Hamas source told AFP that the exchange would take place within 72 hours of the agreement’s signing.
⏰ Timeline and Reactions
📅 Expected Timeline
Global Leaders Respond
“A great day for Israel. The government is determined to bring our captives home with God’s help.”
“A moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world.”
“A historic opportunity to secure lasting peace in the Middle East.”
🤝 Intense Diplomacy Behind the Scenes
The breakthrough follows weeks of shuttle diplomacy that brought together some of the world’s most influential negotiators and regional powers.
🌍 Key Diplomatic Players
Negotiations took place in Cairo, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly handed President Trump an urgent note about progress during a White House event.
A great day for the world. The whole world has come together on this one. This has been a fantastic day.
Trump also revealed he might travel to the Middle East later this week to oversee the early implementation of the peace plan, saying he was “most likely” to visit Egypt and possibly Gaza.
⚠️ Cautious Optimism
⚖️ Challenges Remain
While celebrations erupted among Palestinians in Gaza and hostage families in Israel, analysts cautioned that significant challenges remain.
BBC’s Hugo Bachega noted: “Crucial details still need to be worked out before a durable peace can be guaranteed.”
Israeli military officials confirmed that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir had ordered the army to prepare strong defenses and to “lead the operation for the captives’ return with sensitivity and professionalism.”
🔮 Looking Ahead
The Gaza Peace Plan: 20-Point Proposal
The comprehensive framework calls for transformative changes in Gaza’s political and security landscape:
Full cessation of hostilities
Complete weapons surrender
Phased Israeli troop exit
Long-term governance framework
If fully implemented, the deal could mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict in years.
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