WASHINGTON/SHARM EL-SHEIKH— U.S. President Donald Trump announced early Thursday morning that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of his peace plan for the Gaza Strip, a breakthrough he confirmed would lead to the release of all hostages “very soon.”
In a post on Truth Social, the President stated that the agreement signifies that “all hostages will be released very soon,” and that Israel will pull its forces back to an agreed line as the initial steps toward achieving a “strong and lasting peace.”
According to reports, A source close to the mediators told The DropSite that President Trump provided assurances that Israel would not resume the conflict following the release of the captives.
President Trump hailed the development as a “great day for the Arab and Islamic world, Israel, and the United States,” and offered thanks to the mediating countries: Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
In separate remarks to Axios, the President described a “wonderful” call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that “Netanyahu is extremely happy and he should be.” Trump speculated on a possible trip to Israel in the coming days, noting, “The Israelis want me to give a speech in the Knesset, and I will certainly do so, if they wish it.”
Addressing Fox News, Trump predicted the release of the hostages, including the bodies of the deceased, will occur next Monday. He also mentioned that the reconstruction of the devastated territory would be overseen by a “peace council” being formed, and expressed strong confidence that peace would prevail, with Iran eventually becoming part of the peace process.
“You will witness the reconstruction of Gaza, and we are in the process of forming a peace council that will take care of the people,” Trump said, adding that he conveyed to Netanyahu that “Israel cannot fight the world, and he understands that well.”
The announcement follows indirect negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh, which have been hosted since last Monday evening to implement Trump’s 20-point plan, initially announced on September 29, which called for the release of hostages, a ceasefire, and the disarmament of Hamas.
Israel estimates 48 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of whom are alive, while approximately 11,100 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, facing reported instances of torture and medical neglect. The peace deal comes after Israel, with U.S. support, continued its campaign in Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in 67,173 martyrs and 169,780 injuries—mostly children and women—and a famine that has claimed the lives of 460 Palestinians, including 154 children. Prime Minister Netanyahu remains wanted by the International Criminal Court for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians in Gaza.
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