Israel and Hamas have agreed on the initial phase of the Gaza peace deal proposed by the United States, leading to the release of all Israeli hostages, declared U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This agreement, once put into action, could potentially bring the two conflicting parties closer together than any previous attempts to end the ongoing war, which has expanded into a broader regional conflict involving countries like Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon, consequently reshaping the dynamics of the Middle East.
President Trump shared on social media that the deal’s approval signifies the imminent release of all hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his intention to convene the government for approval of the ceasefire agreement on Thursday, emphasizing the significance of bringing the hostages back home and describing it as a monumental day for Israel.
A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that following the deal’s endorsement, Israeli forces are set to withdraw to the agreed boundary within less than 24 hours. Subsequently, Hamas will have 72 hours to release the hostages, with the commencement expected on Monday, as per the White House official.
The development of this deal coincides with the two-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks led by Hamas on Israel, triggering a two-year war in Gaza. The conflict resulted in a substantial loss of life, with over 67,000 Palestinians killed, based on Gaza’s Health Ministry figures. Additionally, Hamas militants were responsible for the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 others, as indicated by Israeli reports.
Hamas has called upon President Trump and other guarantor states to ensure full implementation of the ceasefire by Israel. The militant group expressed gratitude towards mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey and highlighted the efforts of President Trump toward achieving a complete end to the war and the withdrawal of the occupation from the Gaza Strip.
The successful execution of this deal would represent a significant foreign policy achievement for President Trump, who aimed to swiftly resolve conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine upon taking office. Netanyahu and Trump engaged in a phone conversation following the deal’s announcement, with the Israeli prime minister extending an invitation for Trump to address the Knesset.
Prime Minister Mark Carney joined in congratulating President Trump and thanked Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their contributions to the negotiations. He expressed relief that the hostages would soon reunite with their families, underscoring the long-awaited prospect of peace.
Negotiations have made substantial progress toward ending the war, with Hamas providing lists of hostages and Palestinian prisoners for potential exchange. Noteworthy figures, such as Marwan al-Barghouti and Ahmed Saadat, are included in the list, both serving multiple life sentences for their involvement in fatal attacks against Israelis.
The United Nations Secretary-General welcomed the agreement, urging all parties to uphold its terms, with a commitment to enhancing humanitarian aid in the region. The deal’s reception was positive among various stakeholders, including the U.S.- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which expressed hope for improvements in meeting the needs of Gazans.
Despite several failed ceasefire attempts in the past, the proposed plan includes elements akin to prior initiatives endorsed by the U.S. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding Hamas’s disarmament and the establishment of a clear path toward a Palestinian state, demands pivotal not only to Hamas but also to the broader Arab and Muslim community.
