CAIRO — US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of a US-proposed Gaza peace plan, marking what he called “a great day” for the Middle East and the world.
“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 his Truth Social platform.
“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 all mediators — including Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt — for their roles in reaching the deal.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” he said, calling it “a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, surrounding nations, and the United States.”
The announcement came after indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with the participation of Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, Egyptian intelligence head Hassan Rashad, and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.
Under the 20-point plan unveiled on Sept. 29, all Israeli captives in Gaza are to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, followed by a ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and the rebuilding of Gaza under international supervision.
Hamas confirms agreement
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, Hamas confirmed it had agreed to the first phase of the plan.
“Hamas announces that an agreement has been reached providing for an end to the war on Gaza, the withdrawal of the occupiers, the entry of humanitarian aid, and a prisoner exchange,” the group said on Telegram.
The statement thanked mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, and praised Trump’s efforts “for a final end to the war and the complete withdrawal of the occupying Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.”
“We emphasize that the sacrifices of our people will not be in vain,” Hamas added, pledging to remain committed to Palestinian rights and self-determination.
Netanyahu hails “a great day for Israel”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convene his Cabinet on Thursday to formally approve the deal, calling it “a great day for Israel.”
“This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory,” Netanyahu said on X, thanking Trump for his “leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also welcomed the agreement, thanking “the heroic soldiers” and expressing hope for the imminent return of Israeli hostages.
The Israeli military said it is preparing to carry out the release operation “with sensitivity and professionalism.” saudiGazette
