ISRAEL AND HAMAS AGREE TO CEASEFIRE DEAL UNDER TRUMP PLAN, PAVING WAY FOR HOSTAGE RELEASE AND GAZA TROOP WITHDRAWAL

Israel and Hamas have reached a landmark agreement to pause fighting in Gaza, accepting elements of a plan put forward by the Trump administration aimed at ending the devastating two-year-old war. The deal, confirmed separately by both Israel and Hamas, is expected to lead to the release of the remaining 20 living hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, drawing celebratory reactions from hostage families in Tel Aviv and cautious optimism from some in Gaza.

“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,” President Donald Trump wrote on social media. “All Parties will be treated fairly!”

Hamas intends to release the 20 living hostages in a matter of days, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza, according to people familiar with the agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proclaimed, “With God’s help we will bring them all home,” shortly after Trump’s announcement of agreement on the first phase of the plan. Netanyahu said he would convene the government on Thursday to approve the deal.

For its part, Hamas called on Trump and mediators to ensure Israel implements “without disavowal or delay” the withdrawal of troops, entry of aid into Gaza, and prisoner-hostage exchange. Trump said Hamas will begin releasing hostages “probably” on Monday in an interview on Fox News. “This is more than Gaza,” he said. “This is peace in the Middle East.”

The agreement follows intense negotiations in Egypt and represents a significant breakthrough amid a conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza and triggered worldwide protests and allegations of genocide that Israel denies. Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage in Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Palestinians and Israelis expressed relief and joy. “It’s a huge day, huge joy,” said Ahmed Sheheiber, a displaced Palestinian from northern Gaza. Crying over the phone from Gaza City, he awaited the ceasefire’s effect to return home to Jabaliya refugee camp. In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, families popped Champagne and cheered.

Einav Zangauker, mother of captive Matan Zangauker, told reporters, “I want to smell his smell. If I have one dream, it is seeing Matan sleep in his own bed.” Hatan Angrest, whose son Matan is a hostage, said, “President Trump, thank you very much. We thank him, our children will not have returned home without him.”

The deal’s details remain partly unclear, including Hamas’ disarmament and Gaza governance post-war. The Trump plan envisions Israel maintaining a border military presence, an international Arab/Muslim force for Gaza security, U.S.-led reconstruction, and eventual Palestinian Authority involvement subject to reforms Netanyahu opposes. Arab countries backing the plan stress it must lead toward Palestinian statehood, which Netanyahu rejects.

“This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel,” Netanyahu stated. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi called it an historic moment. Saudi Arabia sees it as a step toward comprehensive regional peace.

Celebrations erupted in Gaza and Israel. Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo in Khan Younis said, “Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing. I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy.” Officials warn uncertainties remain about implementing the agreement and Gaza’s future governance.