Historic Breakthrough: Israel and Hamas Agree on First Phase of Peace Deal, Hostages to Be Released

New York – In a historic development two years after the deadly conflict erupted, Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a peace deal under a plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump. The agreement includes the release of hostages held by Hamas and the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Trump confirmed the milestone on Truth Social, saying:
"Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our Peace Plan. 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."

The breakthrough comes exactly two years after Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, which killed around 1,250 Israelis and saw approximately 250 people taken hostage. In response, Israel’s counter-offensive killed an estimated 67,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, and caused severe humanitarian challenges.

Trump described the day as “a GREAT day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, all surrounding nations, and the United States,” expressing gratitude to mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.

The peace talks, held in Egypt, had faced interruptions, including an Israeli airstrike on a building in Qatar where Hamas negotiators were staying. Momentum resumed after Trump engaged directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and rallied regional leaders to influence Hamas.

Both parties framed the deal as a victory. Netanyahu said, “With God's help, we will bring them all home,” while Hamas highlighted that the agreement would ensure Israel’s withdrawal, allow humanitarian aid, and enable a prisoner exchange. The group also thanked Trump for his efforts in “permanently ending the war and securing the full withdrawal of the occupation from Gaza.”

The first phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan envisions the gradual release of hostages by Hamas, reciprocal release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, phased troop withdrawals, and steps toward disarmament. Jared Kushner and Trump’s special representatives played a role in facilitating the negotiations.

Looking ahead, Trump indicated that Iran, which was not initially part of the talks, had endorsed the Gaza deal and could join broader Middle East peace efforts. If fully implemented, the agreement could also revive the Abraham Accords and expand diplomatic ties between Israel and nations including the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.

While the deal represents a historic step toward ending hostilities, Netanyahu faces domestic opposition from hardline elements in his coalition who favor a complete takeover of Gaza. Meanwhile, Arab nations and local populations increasingly pressured Hamas to agree, seeking an end to the prolonged conflict that has taken a heavy toll on civilians on both sides.

With inputs from IANS