Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative — a ceasefire and hostage exchange — marking the first major step toward ending the two-year war that has devastated the region.
The agreement was reached during indirect talks in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, attended by mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, alongside Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and senior Israeli officials.
Announcing the deal on Truth Social, Trump said that all hostages would soon be released and Israeli troops would withdraw to a mutually agreed line, calling it a step toward a “strong and lasting peace.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his government would meet Thursday to approve the deal, saying, “With God’s help, we will bring all hostages home.”
Hamas also confirmed the agreement, stating it includes a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a hostage-prisoner exchange, while urging international guarantors to ensure Israel’s compliance.
Sources said the release of living hostages is expected within 72 hours after Israel’s cabinet approval, while the recovery of deceased hostages may take longer.
The plan’s next phase envisions a post-war Gaza administration under international supervision, possibly involving former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, though Hamas has rejected any foreign role, insisting that Gaza’s governance be handed to a Palestinian technocrat government supported by Arab and Muslim nations.
Arab countries have backed the ceasefire plan but maintain it must ultimately lead to the creation of an independent Palestinian state, a prospect Israeli leadership continues to oppose.
