US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a US-brokered peace plan. The primary goal of this agreement is to halt combat in Gaza and ensure the release of hostages and detainees. Hamas has agreed to the Gaza accord, which is set to be signed Thursday in Egypt. This deal includes the immediate opening of five crossings for humanitarian aid into Gaza, adjustments to the Gaza withdrawal map, and in the first phase, the release of 20 Israeli captives alive.
The agreement is guaranteed by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, ensuring that as long as both sides adhere to its terms, hostilities will not resume. According to the Associated Press, Hamas will release all 20 living hostages this weekend, as most Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza.
Donald Trump shared on social media, "This means all hostages will be freed very soon, and Israel will retract its forces to a defined boundary. This marks a significant, enduring step towards robust and lasting peace. Fair treatment will prevail for all parties involved."
Source: aajtak
Trumps and Netanyahu Speak over Phone...
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had a conversation with US President Donald Trump. Both congratulated each other on the monumental success of agreeing to the release of all captives. They agreed to continue their cooperation. The Prime Minister invited President Trump to address the Israeli Knesset.
Endorsement from All Parties
The initial stage of the Gaza peace agreement was confirmed late Wednesday night by Israeli officials, Hamas and Qatar mediators. However, it remains unclear if negotiators have resolved more contentious issues like Gaza's governance or the demilitarization of Hamas. Authorities indicated that these unresolved topics will continue to be discussed in Egypt, shaping the further stages of the agreement.
Qatar's Significant Role...
Negotiators from the US, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar have been present in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh since Monday to finalize the ceasefire and massive hostage-prisoner exchange framework. According to a Reuters report, Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani was also part of these discussions, playing a crucial role in the mediation.
Source: aajtak
The Prime Minister of Israel commented on
, 'This is a significant day for Israel. Tomorrow, I will present the government with an endorsement of this agreement and a plan to bring our precious hostages home. I extend my gratitude to the valiant soldiers of the IDF and all security forces, whose courage and sacrifice have brought us to this point. I wholeheartedly thank President Trump and his team for their efforts to liberate our hostages. Together, we will continue achieving all our objectives and expanding peace with our neighbors.'
Source: aajtak
In another post, the Prime Minister stated, 'With the approval of the plan's first phase, all our hostages will be brought home. This is a diplomatic breakthrough and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel. I made it clear from the start, we will not rest until all our captives are returned, and all our goals achieved.'
Trump's declaration stands out as the most substantial achievement in attempts to end the conflict that commenced after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. This assault by Hamas resulted in the loss of around 1,200 lives, mostly civilians. Since October 2023, continuous Israeli attacks in Gaza have led to reports of over 60,000 casualties, primarily women and children.
This agreement between Hamas and Israel was reached after extensive discussions in Egypt, where US, Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari negotiators were working on Trump's proposed hostage-to-ceasefire outline.
