In a widely publicized statement Thursday, former President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the “first phase” of a U.S.-brokered Gaza peace plan, describing the development as a turning point in the two-year war. He said the agreement includes the full release of Israeli hostages and a withdrawal of Israeli troops to a mutually agreed line, framing it as the first steps toward a “strong, durable, and everlasting peace.”
Addressing reporters at a White House Cabinet meeting, Trump predicted that the hostages could be freed “Monday or Tuesday” and indicated he may travel to Egypt for a formal signing ceremony. He also declined to commit to a stance on a two-state solution, saying, “I don’t have a view — I’m going to go with what they agreed to.”
Trump reserved significant praise for regional mediators, particularly Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, lauding their roles in facilitating the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the agreement, calling it a moral victory, and expressed intent to bring it before the Knesset. Meanwhile, world leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, extended cautious optimism and pledged support for humanitarian relief efforts.
Trump’s announcement comes amid skepticism over prior peace efforts—but if fully implemented, the deal could mark a rare breakthrough in Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy.
Sources:
Reuters Reuters
Time TIME
Washington Post The Washington Post
AP News AP News
CBS News (live updates) CBS News
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