A breakthrough agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas, paving the way for the release of hostages held in Gaza and a significant ceasefire in the two-year-old conflict, announced United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Both parties have agreed to the first phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, aiming to bring an end to the devastating war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and unleashed a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“This means that 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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the deal, stating, “With God’s help we will bring them all home,” referring to the hostages held by Hamas.
According to sources, Hamas will release 20 living hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire’s implementation, in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, including 250 serving life sentences. Trump indicated hostages could start returning as early as Monday. The deal also entails a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza and Israel’s military withdrawal from parts of the territory.
Hamas confirmed agreement to the terms, calling on Trump and guarantor countries to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire, ending the war, facilitating hostage-prisoner exchanges, and allowing aid entry. Mediators Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye played key roles in negotiations held in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh. Netanyahu is set to present the deal to Israel’s cabinet on Thursday for approval.
Celebrations erupted in Gaza, with displaced Palestinians expressing joy and relief after two years of intense bombardment and displacement. “Tears of joy flowed. Two years of bombing, terror, destruction, loss, humiliation,” said Samer Joudeh, a displaced Palestinian. Over 67,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel’s military response began following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that killed around 1,200 and took 251 hostages.
Crucial details remain unresolved, including post-war Gaza governance, Hamas’ future role, and Israel’s demand for Hamas disarmament – a condition Hamas rejects while Israeli forces occupy Palestinian territories. Arab states backing the plan stress it must lead toward Palestinian statehood, which Netanyahu opposes.
