Live updates: Israel and Hamas agree to the first phase of Gaza peace plan.
“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,”
WASHINGTON, D.C. Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first phase” of a peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to Trump, the agreement includes the release of all hostages held by Hamas and an initial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, marking a significant step in efforts to stabilize the region.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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 thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their roles in facilitating the agreement, describing the day as “a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America.”
Hamas Confirms Agreement
Hamas also confirmed the agreement in a statement Wednesday. The group said the deal was reached after “responsible and serious negotiations” in Sharm el-Sheikh, with the goal of ending the conflict and Israel’s military occupation of Gaza.
“The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announces the conclusion of an agreement stipulating an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation’s withdrawal from it, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange,” the statement said.
The group urged President Trump, the guarantor states, and international parties to ensure Israel implements the terms fully.
Israel Responds
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the agreement on X, calling it “a great day for Israel.” He announced plans to convene the government to approve the deal and facilitate the return of hostages.
“I thank from the depths of my heart President Trump and his team for their mobilization for this sacred mission of releasing our hostages,” Netanyahu said.
His office confirmed that he had invited Trump to address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in recognition of the role the United States played in brokering the agreement.
Hostages’ Families React
Families of hostages welcomed the news with cautious optimism. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the agreement aims to return all hostages — the living for rehabilitation with their families and the deceased for proper burial.
“We welcome the signing of this agreement, designed to bring all the hostages home,” the group said.
According to Israeli authorities, 48 hostages remain to be returned, with 20 believed to be alive.
Global Support and U.N. Involvement
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed support for the agreement, pledging that the United Nations would help ensure its full implementation.
“The United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement and will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza,” Guterres said. “The stakes have never been higher.”
Trump May Travel to Egypt
Trump told reporters that he may travel to the Middle East over the weekend, potentially visiting Egypt, where the peace talks have been held.
“I may go there sometime toward the end of the week, maybe on Sunday, actually,” he said. “I’ll be going to Egypt, most likely, that’s where everybody is gathered right now, and we appreciate that very much. But I’ll be making the rounds.”
Trump’s statement came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed him a note indicating that negotiators were close to a deal.
Next Steps in the Peace Plan
The agreement represents the initial phase of a broader 20-point plan proposed by Trump, which also includes the release of 1,950 Palestinian prisoners and the gradual entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi, who is hosting the negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, said the messages received from both parties were “very encouraging.” Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner joined the talks alongside Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Thani.
A separate meeting is scheduled in Paris on Thursday to discuss Gaza’s future, with representatives from the U.K., Germany, Italy, Spain, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Indonesia, Canada, Turkey, and the European Union expected to attend. U.S. representation at that meeting has not been confirmed.
Regional Divisions and Political Challenges
While international and U.S.-led mediation efforts continue, some Israeli officials have expressed opposition to the agreement. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to pursue “complete victory” over Hamas. In a video posted on X, Ben-Gvir was seen praying at the Temple Mount, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding the sensitive religious site.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry stressed the need for “international guarantees” led by the United States to ensure Israel fulfills its commitments, including troop withdrawal and aid delivery, according to spokesperson Majed al-Ansari.
Continuing Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
Despite diplomatic progress, the conflict has continued on the ground. The Israeli military has conducted operations in Gaza that have resulted in more than 67,000 Palestinian deaths since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks, which killed 1,200 Israelis and left 251 people held hostage.
Memorials were held across Israel on Tuesday to mark the second anniversary of the attacks, including at the Nova music festival, where more than 370 victims died.
In Gaza, displaced families remain in dire conditions. Alaa Abu Daraz, who fled eastern Gaza on October 7, 2023, said she and her children are living in the streets without shelter.
“Our children are left in the streets, with no tent, no shelter, not even a blanket,” she said. “We managed through the summer and survived the heat, but the winter is unbearable; one cannot live or do anything in these conditions.”
Aid Flotilla Intercepted
Israel’s navy intercepted a flotilla bound for Gaza on Wednesday, detaining several activists, including eight Americans. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israel of “likely abducting” the citizens in international waters, prompting criticism from human rights groups and the international community.
Outlook
The first phase of the peace plan signals cautious optimism, but implementation remains a complex challenge. Diplomatic sources have described Wednesday as “pivotal” in determining whether the agreement can hold, with both sides emphasizing a spirit of optimism as talks continue.