US President Donald Trump has officially announced that both Israel and Hamas have 'signed off' on the first phase of a peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a post on Truth Social, Trump indicated that this agreement would lead to the release of all hostages by Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to a designated line as preliminary steps toward achieving a strong and lasting peace.
This groundbreaking announcement follows three days of indirect negotiations held in Egypt, facilitated by representatives from several nations, including Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States. While both Israel and Hamas have verified the agreement, it remains uncertain how other contentious points—such as the disarmament of Hamas and future governance of Gaza—will be addressed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the news, declaring it a 'great day' for Israel and stating that he would convene his government to ratify the agreement and work towards bringing all hostages home. Hamas confirmed that the deal entails an Israeli exit from Gaza and a reciprocal exchange of hostages for prisoners.
A senior official from the White House indicated to CBS News that releases of hostages are expected to commence as soon as Monday. In a press conference, Qatari Foreign Minister Majed al-Ansari expressed optimism about the plan, suggesting it could pave the way for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, as well as the release of both Israeli and Palestinian detainees.
While the announcement inspires hope, it occurs during a period of high tension in Gaza, where recent reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes have significantly reduced civilian casualties compared to previous weeks, yet violence and humanitarian crises continue unabated. As both parties seek to implement the agreement, the conflict's ramifications on regional stability remain a pressing issue.
