President Donald Trump has declared that Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of his peace plan, marking a pivotal moment in the two-year conflict between the factions. The agreement includes the imminent release of all hostages and Israel’s withdrawal to an agreed-upon line, according to Trump’s statement shared on Truth Social.
Trump credited Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their mediation efforts, calling the deal a “Historic and Unprecedented Event” that unites nations. He emphasized the participation of “the whole world,” highlighting collaboration among unexpected allies. The president also expressed optimism about the release of remaining hostages as early as Monday, citing “luck” and “talent” in securing the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to convene his government Thursday to approve the ceasefire and hostage-release framework. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were reportedly present in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to support negotiations.
The deal comes nearly two years after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of around 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has led to over 67,000 reported fatalities in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
Trump’s announcement followed a note from Senator Marco Rubio during a cabinet meeting, signaling the impending revelation. The president described the development as “a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America.”
