Trump Says Israel And Hamas Have Agreed To the First Phase Of the Gaza Peace Deal, Paving Way For Ceasefire

On October 8, President Donald Trump announced that Hamas had agreed on the first phase of the Gaza peace deal. The deal was reached between both parties with the mediation of Mr. Trump, along with the support of major Middle Eastern and European countries, as well as Pakistan. 

Mr. Trump posted that “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan.”

He further added that “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”.

Ceasefire Breakthrough Announced by President Trump

Majed al-Ansari, who is Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman, said that “The agreement will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.” 

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hoped, stating that “With God’s help, we will bring them all home.” The announcement includes the commitment to initiate troop withdrawals and the release of hostages between the two countries. 

Key Terms of the Agreement

Hamas to Release 20 Hostages Within 72 Hours

According to a senior White House official, via Mathrubhumi News, “Hamas will then have 72 hours to begin releasing hostages, expected to start on Monday.” Similarly, the independent states that “According to people familiar with the talks, Hamas is expected to release all 20 living hostages within days as Israeli troops pull back from most of Gaza.”

Israel to Withdraw Troops to a Designated Line Inside Gaza

President Donald Trump said, “Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.” According to CBC news, “Israel and Hamas have struck a deal for Hamas to release all remaining hostages and for Israel to withdraw its forces to an ‘agreed upon line,’ President Trump announced Wednesday.” 

Humanitarian Aid and Prisoner Exchanges Included in the Framework

Majed al Ansari further added that “The agreement will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.”  The Independent stated that “Hamas confirmed that the agreement includes troop withdrawal, prisoner exchanges, and the entry of aid.” 

International Mediation and Diplomatic Support

The Israel-Gaza peace deal was brokered in Egypt with backing from Qatar, Turkey, and the United States. U.S envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff played a key role in Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan to end the war in Gaza.

Mr Trump wrote, “We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen,”. 

H.A. Hellyer, senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, stated that “Without that sort of pressure, I don’t think we would be seeing any of this.”

Global Reactions and Regional Impact

The deal was welcomed worldwide, especially by the United Nations and global leaders. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said, “I urge all stakeholders to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward.”

Netanyahu said, “A big day for Israel. I thank from the bottom of my heart President Trump and his team for their dedication to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages.”

However, many Palestinian and Israeli factions showed cautious reactions. Whatever it is, it’s a good move to end a long-lasting battle with innocent murderers.

Hamas Requested Guarantees From Trump And Sponsor Countries For Full Israeli Compliance

Israeli cabinet approval is still pending. The formal signing will again be held in Egypt; however, considering the track record, Hamas is not fully satisfied with the Israeli behaviour.  Hamas negotiator Khalil al Hayya stated that “We seek guarantees from President Trump and the sponsor countries that the war will end once and for all.” Also, Trump told Fox News that 

“I think the hostages will have returned on Monday… that will include the bodies of the dead.”