Trump Confirms Israel-Hamas Deal on Gaza Ceasefire/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of his proposed Gaza peace plan. The agreement includes an Israeli troop withdrawal and the release of 20 hostages by Hamas. Talks continue around deeper issues like demilitarization and long-term governance.
Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Quick Looks
- Trump says Israel and Hamas agreed to phase one of peace plan
- Includes release of 20 hostages and Israeli troop withdrawal
- Trump promises “strong, durable, everlasting peace” if fully implemented
- Hamas confirms deal includes aid access and prisoner exchange
- Netanyahu to convene Israeli government for final approval
- U.S. envoy Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff credited for negotiations
- Qatar confirms both sides agree on implementation mechanisms
- Future stages may involve demilitarization and governance questions
- Hostage Families Forum praises Trump’s efforts and breakthrough
Deep Look: Trump Announces Israel and Hamas Agree to First Phase of Peace Deal
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of his long-touted Gaza peace plan. The deal includes a temporary ceasefire, the release of 20 living hostages, and a partial Israeli military withdrawal—marking the most significant progress in the two-year war.
“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,” Trump declared on Truth Social late Wednesday.
Hostage Release and Troop Withdrawal Imminent
According to individuals familiar with the deal, Hamas will release all 20 living hostages this weekend, while Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from approximately 70% of the Gaza Strip. The bodies of deceased hostages will be returned in later phases of the agreement.
Though many key details are still under wraps, this announcement signals the most tangible agreement since the January-February swap deal that saw Israeli hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.
Next Steps and Political Maneuvering
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed he will convene his government Thursday to officially approve the deal. In a public statement, he thanked President Trump:
“I thank President Trump and his team from the bottom of my heart for their commitment to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages.”
Meanwhile, Hamas released its own statement, calling the agreement the result of “responsible and serious negotiations” and urged Trump and the international mediators to ensure full Israeli compliance without delays or alterations.
Trump’s diplomatic team, including Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, arrived in Cairo on Wednesday and were instrumental in finalizing the deal, according to a senior U.S. official briefed on the talks.
Sensitive Prisoner Discussions Still Ongoing
One area of contention behind the scenes involved the possible release of Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian leader currently serving five life sentences in an Israeli prison. Sources say Israeli officials resisted his inclusion in the first phase, warning it could provoke fierce backlash from far-right members of Netanyahu’s governing coalition.
It remains unclear whether Barghouti or other high-profile prisoners will be part of future phases.
Qatar and Regional Support
Qatar, which played a central role as a mediator, confirmed that all provisions of the first phase have been agreed upon. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari stated:
“The agreement will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.”
Qatar also indicated that detailed terms and implementation mechanisms will be released soon.
Grassroots Reaction: Hope and Apprehension
The Hostages Families Forum, a grassroots group representing the relatives of those captured, reacted with a mixture of “excitement, anticipation, and apprehension.”
“We call on the Israeli government to immediately approve this deal and praise President Trump for his commitment and determination that led to this historic breakthrough,” the group said in a public statement.
Looking Ahead: Fragile but Promising
While this initial agreement represents a monumental step forward, it leaves unresolved several critical issues:
- Will Hamas agree to demilitarization, a major condition in Trump’s full plan?
- What will be the future governance structure of Gaza?
- Can both sides sustain a long-term peace beyond the hostage and troop arrangements?
As negotiations continue, the world watches closely—hopeful that this “first phase” could lay the foundation for broader peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
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