Israel and Hamas reach first phase of Trump’s peace plan

Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on the first phase of a U.S.-brokered peace plan that aims to halt hostilities in Gaza and secure the release of the remaining hostages. The deal, personally announced by President Donald Trump, represents the first major diplomatic breakthrough in the region since the conflict reignited two years ago.

The agreement provides for the release of at least 20 living hostages held in Gaza and the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops to a line defined during the negotiations. The implementation of these measures should begin within the next few days, marking what Trump called “a strong and lasting step toward peace.” Mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey played a crucial role in securing the accord, which both sides have signed.

Trump described the deal as “a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, for Israel, and for the United States of America,” adding that Washington will assist in rebuilding Gaza and help maintain peace and security in the region. He also confirmed that he intends to visit the Middle East in the coming days, with a possible address to the Israeli Knesset.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the announcement, convening an emergency session of parliament to ratify the plan. “With God’s help, we will bring everyone home,” he said, emphasizing that Israel remains committed to the release of all hostages. Meanwhile, celebrations erupted in Gaza, where Hamas declared that “the agreement marks the end of the war, the withdrawal of occupation forces, the entry of humanitarian aid, and a prisoner exchange.”

Despite optimism on both sides, details about the timetable for the Israeli withdrawal and the terms of the exchange remain unclear. U.S. officials indicated that, once the Knesset approves the plan, Israel will begin pulling back within 24 hours, with hostages expected to be released within 72 hours of the withdrawal.

The accord comes almost exactly two years after Israel launched its military campaign in response to the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and led to the capture of 251 hostages. Since then, over 67,000 Palestinians, including more than 20,000 children, have died in Gaza, according to the local health ministry.

European leaders, including Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, hailed the deal as “excellent news,” pledging humanitarian and reconstruction support and expressing willingness to join a future international peacekeeping mission. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, welcomed the accord as “a necessary first step” toward restoring hope and rebuilding normal life in the region.

Trump concluded his statement saying he was “very confident peace will come to the Middle East,” affirming that both the living and the deceased hostages “will finally return home.”