US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first stage of his proposed Gaza peace plan, describing it as a major step toward ending the prolonged conflict.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump said that under the first phase, all hostages held in Gaza would be released soon, while Israeli forces would withdraw to an agreed boundary. He called it the beginning of what he described as a strong, durable, and everlasting peace. Trump also thanked Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their efforts in facilitating the talks and promoting the peace initiative.
According to reports from Egyptian state-linked media, the agreement includes a hostage-prisoner exchange and provisions for increased humanitarian aid access into Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed hope that the captives would soon return home, stating that efforts were underway to bring them back safely.
Trump hinted that he might visit the Middle East in the coming days, possibly stopping in Egypt or Gaza if conditions remain stable. His broader peace plan envisions a complete ceasefire, the release of all hostages, disarmament of Hamas, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
As part of the ongoing discussions, Hamas has demanded assurances that the conflict will be permanently ended. Among the prisoners Hamas seeks to be released is Marwan Barghouti, a senior Fatah figure currently imprisoned in Israel.
The announcement comes as the war nears its second anniversary. The conflict began after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which killed over 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken, 47 of whom are still believed to be held. In Gaza, local health authorities estimate that more than 67,000 people have been killed during the war, with women and children comprising over half of the casualties.
Despite the announcement, reports from Gaza indicated that airstrikes and explosions continued in some areas. Many displaced residents in southern Gaza expressed cautious optimism, saying they were hopeful that this agreement would finally bring an end to months of violence and suffering.