Israel and Hamas announced that they had agreed to a long-awaited ceasefire and a deal to release hostages—the first phase of US President Donald Trump's plan to end the Gaza war.
If implemented, the agreement brings both sides closer to ending the war than any previous attempt in two years. The conflict had spread to the region, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon, deepening Israel's international isolation, and fundamentally changing the Middle East.
Trump's campaign promise would be fulfilled
However, the agreement announced by Trump on Wednesday evening remained vague and left many questions unanswered that could lead to failure – as previous peace initiatives have done.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have approved the first phase of our peace plan,” Trump said on his social network Truth Social.
“This means that ALL hostages will be released very soon and Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed line – as a first step towards a strong, lasting and eternal peace,” he added.
Successful implementation would be a significant foreign policy achievement for the Republican president, who promised during his election campaign to resolve major global conflicts but has so far failed to achieve success either in Gaza or with regard to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Netanyahu wants to convince government
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he would convene his government on Thursday to approve the agreement.
“With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home,” he said. “This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel.”
Hamas confirmed that it had agreed to a deal to end the war. It includes Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and an exchange of hostages for prisoners.
“We reaffirm that the sacrifices of our people have not been in vain and that we remain true to our promise never to give up our people's national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved,” Hamas said.
According to authorities in Gaza, more than 67,000 people have been killed and large parts of the Gaza Strip have been razed to the ground since the Israeli military operation began on October 7, 2023. According to Israeli sources, approximately 1,200 people died in the Hamas attack on October 7, and 251 were taken hostage to Gaza. Of the 48 hostages still being held, 20 are believed to be alive.
Despite hopes for an end to the war, crucial questions remain unanswered, including the timetable, the administration of the Gaza Strip after the war, and the future of Hamas.
Release of hostages expected in a few days
The announcement was met with celebrations in both Gaza and Israel.
Families of Israelis held in Gaza gathered at “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv after the announcement.
“Thank you, President Trump. Without him, our children would not have returned home,” said Hatan Angrest, whose son Matan is among the hostages.
A Hamas source said the surviving hostages would be handed over within 72 hours of the Israeli government's approval. However, recovering the bodies of an estimated 28 hostages who were killed would take longer because they were buried under the rubble in Gaza.
Trump said Wednesday on the Fox News program Hannity that the hostages would likely be released on Monday.
The Israeli military warned Gaza residents that some areas remain dangerous combat zones. The armed forces maintained their encirclement of Gaza City, saying that returning there remains “extremely dangerous,” a spokesman said Thursday.
Netanyahu and Trump spoke by phone and congratulated each other on a “historic success.” According to Netanyahu's office, the prime minister invited the US president to speak before the Israeli parliament.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on all sides to fully comply with the terms of the hostage agreement. “Immediate and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid and essential commercial goods to Gaza must be ensured. The suffering must end,” he said.
On Wednesday, Hamas had handed over lists of the hostages it is holding and the Palestinian prisoners it wants released in exchange.
So far, it has refused to discuss Israel's demand for disarmament – a condition it rejects as long as Israeli troops occupy Palestinian land, according to a Palestinian source.
Arab states call for Palestinian state
The next phase of Trump's plan calls for an international committee under his leadership and with the participation of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to take on a role in the administration of Gaza after the war. Supporting Arab states insist that this must lead to the independence of a Palestinian state – something Netanyahu categorically rules out.
It is unclear who will govern Gaza after the war. Netanyahu, Trump, and Western and Arab states have ruled out any role for Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007.
Hamas has stated that it is only willing to hand over administration to a Palestinian technocratic government under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority and with the support of Arab and Muslim states. It rejects any role for Blair or foreign administration.
Global outrage over the Israeli offensive is growing. Numerous human rights experts, academics, and a UN investigation are calling it genocide. Israel describes its actions as self-defense following the Hamas attack in 2023.
(reuters, est)