- The agreement was brokered following intense indirect talks in Egypt.
- Phase one includes a ceasefire, hostage-prisoner exchange, and partial Israeli troop withdrawal.
- US President Donald Trump announced the breakthrough on social media.
- Both Israel and Hamas have confirmed signing off on the deal’s first stage.
US. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a U.S.-brokered peace plan aimed at ending the two-year-old war in Gaza.
Trump, using his Truth Social platform, hailed the development as “historic and unprecedented,” stating it was a significant step toward “a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” AP news reported.
Both the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Palestinian group Hamas confirmed their agreement to the initial stage of the deal, following intense indirect negotiations mediated by several nations, including Egypt and Qatar.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the development a “great day for Israel” and affirmed he would convene his government for approval.
Core Components of the Initial Phase
The first phase of the agreement, stemming from a broader 20-point peace framework proposed by the U.S., centers on an immediate halt to hostilities and a mutual exchange.
The critical element of this stage is the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. This is expected to occur very soon, possibly within 72 hours of the Israeli government’s final approval.
What to Expect in Phase One
In exchange for the hostages’ freedom, Israel has agreed to release a set number of Palestinian prisoners.
Reports from sources close to the negotiations, as reported by the Times of India, indicate this could involve the exchange of 20 living hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees, including those serving life sentences and those arrested since the start of the conflict.
Beyond the immediate human exchange, the first phase of the agreement is designed to alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis plaguing Gaza. It mandates a substantial and sustained increase in humanitarian aid entering the enclave, which has been severely devastated by nearly two years of continuous conflict.
Furthermore, the initial phase is expected to include a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from an “agreed upon line” within Gaza. While not a complete withdrawal, this redeployment is intended to de-escalate military tensions on the ground and create a more conducive environment for the delivery of aid and future negotiations. Hamas, in its confirmation of the deal, issued a statement urging the U.S. and other mediator nations to ensure Israel fully implements all its obligations, particularly concerning the full cessation of hostilities and the eventual, complete withdrawal of occupation forces
Ongoing Challenges and International Response
While the first phase addresses the immediate humanitarian and hostage crisis, major sticking points in the broader, 20-point peace framework remain unresolved. These include the long-term governance of Gaza, the eventual demand for Hamas to disarm, and the timeline for a complete Israeli troop withdrawal. Officials have indicated that negotiations will continue on these “thornier questions” to shape the subsequent phases of the comprehensive peace plan
Nonetheless, the announcement drew international praise. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the agreement, urging all concerned parties to “abide fully by the terms of the agreement,” as reported by UN News, and ensure the “immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India hailed the success, hoping the release of hostages and humanitarian assistance would “pave the way for lasting peace.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the announcement “a moment of profound relief” for the hostages’ families and the civilian population of Gaza.
Israel and Gaza erupts in Celebration
For the civilians caught in the two-year conflict, the deal brought a mix of elation and cautious skepticism. In Israel, the families of the hostages expressed profound relief and joy, the end of two years of agonizing uncertainty finally in sight.
In the Gaza Strip, footage shared on social media showed Palestinians celebrating in the streets of Gaza City and Khan Younis, waving flags and chanting slogans.
Despite the visible relief, some Palestinians voiced skepticism, noting the failure of previous ceasefire attempts and expressing impatience to see the withdrawal and aid delivery begin immediately.
