Historic Breakthrough: Trump Announces First Phase of Israel-Hamas Peace Agreement to End Gaza War

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on the first phase of his Gaza peace plan, describing it as a "historic and unprecedented" development toward ending the two-year conflict.

According to Trump's statement, Hamas will release all hostages while Israeli forces will withdraw to predetermined positions as outlined in the agreement.

"I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan," Trump declared on his Truth Social platform.

He elaborated 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."

The President expressed gratitude to mediators Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, concluding with "BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!"

Egyptian state-linked media reported that mediators confirmed a deal had been reached for a hostage-prisoner exchange and humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated he would bring the hostages home "with God's help."

Earlier, Trump indicated he might travel to the Middle East later this week as the deal was "very close." In a dramatic moment, journalists witnessed Secretary of State Marco Rubio interrupt a White House event to deliver an urgent note to Trump regarding progress in the Egyptian negotiations.

"I may go there sometime toward the end of the week, maybe on Sunday," Trump remarked, suggesting Egypt as his likely destination but also considering a visit to war-torn Gaza.

Trump's comprehensive peace plan calls for a ceasefire, release of all Gaza hostages, Hamas disarmament, and gradual Israeli withdrawal from the territory.

His son-in-law Jared Kushner and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff were present at the negotiations earlier.

As evening approached in Al-Mawasi, southern Gaza, residents expressed anticipation before the announcement, with celebratory chants of "Allahu akbar" and some gunfire heard in the air.

"We're closely following every bit of news about the negotiations and the ceasefire," said Mohammed Zamlot, 50, who had been displaced from northern Gaza.

Hamas has submitted a list of Palestinian prisoners it wants released from Israeli detention during the first truce phase. In exchange, Hamas would free the remaining 47 hostages, both living and deceased, who were captured during their October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war.

Qatar's prime minister and Turkey's intelligence chief were expected to join Wednesday's talks.

Hamas announced participation alongside delegations from Islamic Jihad—which also holds some hostages in Gaza—and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

The negotiations occurred as the second anniversary of the 2023 Hamas attack approached, which resulted in 1,219 deaths, predominantly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Militants also took 251 people hostage into Gaza, with 47 still remaining there, including 25 the Israeli military presumes dead.

Israel's military response in Gaza has killed at least 67,183 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, figures the United Nations considers credible. The data indicates that over half of the casualties are women and children, though it doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants.

Gaza's civil defense agency reported continued bombardment hours before the deal announcement. An AFP journalist near the Gaza border from Israel reported hearing multiple morning explosions.

International pressure to end the conflict has intensified, with Gaza largely destroyed, a UN-declared famine unfolding, and Israeli hostage families anxiously awaiting their loved ones' return.

A crucial negotiation element involved the specific Palestinian prisoners Hamas requested for release. High-profile inmate Marwan Barghouti from Fatah, Hamas's rival faction, is reportedly among those the group wants freed, according to Egyptian state-linked media.

Hamas's chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, emphasized that the Islamist group seeks "guarantees from President Trump and the sponsor countries that the war will end once and for all."