In a pivotal development, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire and peace deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement, announced late Wednesday, includes the release of hostages and prisoners, a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a large-scale humanitarian aid effort.
Trump, speaking on Fox News shortly after the announcement, said the United States would remain actively involved in supporting the deal’s implementation and helping Gaza recover.
“We’ll be involved in helping them make it successful, and helping it stay peaceful,” the president said, adding that he was “very confident there’ll be peace in the Middle East.”
The deal follows days of indirect negotiations in Cairo, involving mediators from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States. If fully implemented, it would mark the third ceasefire in the conflict since Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
A Dramatic Announcement from the White House
President Trump was reportedly informed of the agreement during a public event at the White House on Wednesday evening. Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed him a note with the news that a ceasefire deal had been finalized. Trump promptly announced the breakthrough on his Truth Social platform, becoming the first to officially do so.
“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 president wrote.
President Trump, speaking to Axios, said he believes the remaining hostages – both living and deceased – could be returned by Monday. He also confirmed his intent to visit the region in the coming days.
What the Agreement Includes
While the full text of the agreement has not yet been published, key details have emerged in multiple media:
- Hamas will release 20 Israeli hostages still alive in Gaza as part of the initial phase. Their return is expected to begin by Monday, according to U.S. officials, though an earlier release remains possible.
- Israel will release 1,950 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since the start of the war.
- Humanitarian aid will increase significantly, with 400 trucks of supplies entering Gaza daily during the first five days of the ceasefire. That number is expected to rise in subsequent stages.
- Displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to northern Gaza, though the Israeli military has cautioned against doing so until further notice due to continued security risks.
- Israeli forces will withdraw from 70% of Gaza, with the full withdrawal timeline expected to unfold in stages across the coming weeks.
Approval and Implementation Timeline
The Israeli government is expected to vote on the agreement Thursday. If approved, Israel will have 24 hours to begin troop withdrawals, triggering a 72-hour window during which Hamas is expected to release the hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the announcement on social media, calling it “a big day for Israel.” He thanked the United States for its “sacred commitment” and vowed to bring all Israeli captives home.
“With God’s help, we will bring them all home,” Netanyahu said, confirming that his government would meet Thursday to finalize the decision.
Hamas also confirmed its commitment to the agreement, calling the negotiations “serious and responsible.” The group urged the United States and other mediators to ensure Israel complies fully with the terms and "does not evade or delay implementation."
The news sparked scenes of cautious celebration in Gaza as well as in Israel
Unresolved Challenges Ahead
While the deal marks a significant diplomatic achievement, it leaves key questions unanswered. Trump’s broader 20-point Gaza peace plan calls for: A full ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, a gradual Israeli withdrawal, and the establishment of a new post-war governance structure in Gaza.
Hamas has historically refused to disarm, and no public commitment on that issue has been made. Details around who would govern Gaza and ensure long-term security have yet to be negotiated.
It is also unclear what, if any, international guarantees will be put in place to enforce the terms of the deal or prevent a return to violence.
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