Trump Announces Breakthrough in Gaza Peace Plan
Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at halting hostilities in Gaza. The plan includes a temporary ceasefire, the release of some hostages and prisoners, and an Israeli troop withdrawal to a predetermined line.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. He emphasized that this agreement marks a significant step toward achieving a strong, durable, and everlasting peace. According to Trump, all hostages will be released soon, and Israel will withdraw its troops as part of the process.
Confirmation from Both Sides
Both Israel and Hamas confirmed the details of the deal, although the exact timeline remains unclear. Hamas highlighted that the agreement would ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces, facilitate the entry of aid, and enable the exchange of hostages and prisoners. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a “historic achievement” and indicated that he would convene the government to approve the deal.
“I thank President Trump and his team from the bottom of my heart for their commitment to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages,” Netanyahu said. He also expressed hope that with divine assistance, all hostages would be brought home.
Hostage Release Expected Soon
An Israeli government spokesperson mentioned that the release of hostages could begin as early as Saturday. However, Trump later told Fox News that he expected the release to occur on Monday. The agreement is set to be reviewed by the Israeli Cabinet on Thursday, after which Israeli forces will start withdrawing to the agreed-upon boundary, according to a senior White House official.
Hamas has 72 hours to release all living hostages following the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Global Reactions and Celebrations
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement but urged all parties to fully abide by its terms. Former hostages of Hamas celebrated the news, with Emily Damari, a British-Israeli who was held captive, posting a video on Instagram celebrating the event with friends. The group was seen hugging, dancing, and toasting “L’chaim,” meaning “to life.”
Eli Sharabi, a freed hostage whose family was killed during the Hamas attack, expressed joy and anticipation for the return of all hostages.
Hamas Calls for Full Implementation
In a statement, Hamas praised the negotiations that led to the agreement and thanked the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. It also acknowledged the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump. However, Hamas called on the U.S. and other nations to ensure that the Israeli government fully implements the agreement and does not delay or evade its requirements.
The deal’s future remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether progress has been made on other issues such as Hamas demilitarization and governance of the region.
Mixed Feelings Among Palestinians
Eyad Amawi, a Palestinian aid coordinator displaced in central Gaza, expressed mixed feelings about the deal. “We believe and don’t believe. We have mixed feelings, between happiness and sadness, memories, everything is mixed,” he said. While celebrations may be great, he noted that sadness and worries would also be significant.
Trump’s announcement came a day after the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered the assault on Gaza. According to Gaza authorities, over 67,000 people have been killed, and much of the enclave has been destroyed since Israel began its military response. Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, with 20 of the 48 hostages still believed to be alive.
Details of the Trump Peace Plan
The Trump peace plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of the 48 hostages still held by Hamas, and an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza after Hamas disarms. It envisions the deployment of an international security force and the placement of Gaza under international governance, with Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair overseeing the process.
Despite the optimism surrounding the deal, crucial details remain unresolved, including the timing of events and the fate of Hamas. There is also uncertainty about who will govern the territory. Arab countries backing the plan emphasize the need for eventual independence for a Palestinian state, while Netanyahu and others rule out any role for Hamas.
Hamas has stated it would relinquish control of Gaza only to a Palestinian technocrat government supervised by the Palestinian Authority and backed by Arab and Muslim countries. It rejects any involvement from Blair or foreign powers in governing the region.
