Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace
plan brokered by US President Donald Trump, marking a significant step toward
ending the two-year conflict in Gaza. This initial phase includes the release
of all hostages held by Hamas and an Israeli troop withdrawal to an agreed-upon
boundary.
Agreement Details and Announcement
As reported by James Clayton of the BBC, US President Donald Trump announced on social media that Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of his 20-point Gaza peace plan. Trump described the event as "historic and unprecedented," stating,
“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”.
The agreement was the outcome of intense negotiations facilitated by mediators from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Trump expressed gratitude to these mediators, calling the day a
“great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, all surrounding nations, and the United States of America”.
Hostage Release and Troop Withdrawal
President Trump has indicated that Hamas has 72 hours to
release all remaining hostages believed to be alive in Gaza as part of the
deal. According to Fox News correspondent Matt Finn, the hostages, numbering
around 20 currently alive along with 28 deceased, will begin to be freed
starting Thursday morning, following Israel’s troop withdrawal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the
agreement as a “national and moral victory” and stated that the government
would convene to ratify the deal the following day. Netanyahu reassured that
“with God’s help, we will bring them all home”.
Israeli Government Ratification and Ceasefire Implementation
According to Shosh Bedrosian, spokesperson for the Israeli
Prime Minister’s Office, Israel’s cabinet was set to hold a meeting on Thursday
to vote on the peace deal. Once ratified, the ceasefire will come into effect
within 24 hours, and Israeli forces will pull back to the designated line.
Following the troop withdrawal, a 72-hour countdown will
begin for Hamas to release the hostages. Bedrosian noted that while Israel will
withdraw, it will retain control over more than half of Gaza, and Palestinian
leader Marwan Barghouti, widely seen as a future Palestinian Authority head,
will not be part of the prisoner exchange.
Humanitarian Aid and Prisoner Exchange
The agreement also allows for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza
immediately after the ceasefire begins. Tom Fletcher, the UN coordinator for
emergency relief, welcomed the deal as “great news,” calling for rapid delivery
of aid, including food, medicine, and tents, to the war-torn enclave.
In addition to the release of Israeli hostages, around 250
Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 Gaza detainees held by Israel since the
conflict’s outbreak are expected to be freed, as part of the prisoner exchange
programme negotiated within the framework of Trump’s deal.
Unresolved Issues and Future Phases
Despite the significant progress, many details remain
unresolved. The deal announced covers only the initial phase of President
Trump’s comprehensive 20-point peace plan. Essential elements such as the
disarmament of Hamas and the governance structure in Gaza remain contentious.
Hamas insists it will only disarm once a Palestinian state is established,
whereas Trump's plan calls for a technocratic, non-political Palestinian
committee to manage Gaza temporarily before transferring authority to the Palestinian
Authority.
The lack of direct communication between Israel and Hamas
means negotiations continue to be mediated indirectly by third parties,
underscoring the fragile nature of the ceasefire. The ongoing challenges point
to further phases required to achieve a full and lasting peace in the region.
Reactions and Regional Impact
The breakthrough was met with celebrations by Palestinians
in Gaza and families of hostages in Israel, who have long awaited such
progress. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the agreement and urged
its full implementation alongside the immediate lifting of restrictions on
humanitarian aid to Gaza
President Trump is anticipated to visit the Middle East to support the peace process and oversee the deal’s execution, underscoring the international stakes involved.youtube