U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire framework aimed at halting hostilities in Gaza and facilitating the release of hostages. The breakthrough follows Trump’s recently unveiled 20-point peace plan, which Israel, Hamas, and international mediators have broadly welcomed.
Israel’s cabinet convened to approve the ceasefire deal, with officials indicating a swift vote in favor is expected. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that the agreement would take effect immediately upon the government’s formal endorsement. Trump indicated that the hostages held in Gaza could be released “Monday or Tuesday,” signaling the beginning of a critical humanitarian step in the conflict.
The initial phase of the agreement, signed earlier in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, includes Israel withdrawing troops to agreed positions, the release of Israeli captives, and the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, aid deliveries into Gaza are set to increase, with hundreds of trucks expected to enter daily once the deal is implemented. Trump emphasized that this first step lays the groundwork for a “strong and durable peace,” while disarmament of Hamas and future governance of Gaza remain part of subsequent negotiations.
Trump expressed his intent to travel to the region soon, noting plans to attend an official signing ceremony in Egypt and potentially address Israel’s Knesset. His son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, have already arrived in Israel to assist with the implementation of the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the development “a great day for Israel” and thanked Trump and his team for securing the hostages’ release. Hamas praised mediators from Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the United States and urged all parties to fully implement the agreement to ensure aid and other provisions reach Gaza without delay.
