In a landmark diplomatic achievement, Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a peace deal proposed by US President Donald Trump, marking a turning point after two years of devastating conflict.
The first stage involves the release of all hostages held by Hamas and the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
President Trump confirmed the agreement on Truth Social, stating, “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. ”
The development came after intense US-backed negotiations in Egypt, supported by Qatar and Turkey.
Background and Negotiation Drama
The breakthrough was reached two years and a day after Hamas launched a brutal assault on October 7, killing around 1,250 Israelis and taking nearly 250 hostages.
Israel’s subsequent counter-offensive left vast areas of Gaza in ruins, with over 67,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza officials.
The UN had warned of famine-like conditions due to severe restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly interrupted a meeting to inform President Trump that the two sides were on the verge of a deal. Trump later hinted that he might visit the region ‘as early as Saturday’ to oversee the next steps.
President Trump hailed the deal as a triumph for diplomacy, writing, “This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America.”
He extended gratitude to mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, ending his message with a biblical note: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the agreement, saying, “With God’s help, we will bring them all home.”
Hamas also issued a statement claiming the deal would ‘ensure the occupation’s withdrawal, allow the entry of humanitarian aid, and implement a prisoner exchange’.
A Turning Point in Regional Diplomacy
The peace talks had previously stalled after an Israeli airstrike targeted a building in Qatar housing Hamas negotiators.
President Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, directly intervened to revive momentum, working with Trump’s Special Representative Steve Witkoff to shape a 20-point peace plan.
The phased roadmap begins with hostage and prisoner exchanges, followed by Israeli troop withdrawal and Hamas’s disarmament.
Trump also revealed that Iran had ‘blessed’ the Gaza deal and could join future peace initiatives.
If fully implemented, the agreement could revive the Abraham Accords, expanding diplomatic relations between Israel and Arab nations.
Trump’s plan envisions a technocratic Palestinian administration for Gaza, led by an international board chaired by him, with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair playing a key role.
While global leaders have lauded the development, challenges remain.
Netanyahu faces pushback from right-wing factions demanding full control over Gaza, while Hamas grapples with pressure from Arab nations to maintain peace.
Despite uncertainties, the peace deal marks the most hopeful step yet toward ending years of bloodshed and could redefine the Middle East’s political landscape.
Also Read: ‘A Great Day For Israel’: Netanyahu Thanks Trump For Gaza Peace Agreement
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