'Ceasefire begins in Gaza. Trump efforts bear fruit!'
In what could become the most significant diplomatic achievement of his presidency, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of his Gaza peace plan a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange designed to end a two-year war that has devastated the region.The agreement, reached after intense indirect talks in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, was finalized with the participation of Trump’s envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Trump Declares “Peace Within Reach”
Announcing the deal on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“I am very proud to announce that 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 toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”
He thanked the mediators and added,“This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America.” Trump hinted that he may travel to Egypt this weekend to oversee the next stage of the peace framework.
Israel’s Netanyahu Hails “A Great Day”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the development as “a great day for Israel,” confirming that he will convene his government on Thursday to approve the deal.
“With God’s help, we will bring all our precious kidnapped people home,” Netanyahu said, expressing gratitude to Trump and U.S. mediators for their “commitment to this sacred mission.”
According to Israeli officials, the hostage release could begin within 72 hours of government approval. Netanyahu and Trump also spoke by phone, congratulating each other on what both called a “historic achievement.”
Hamas Confirms Ceasefire and Exchange
In its first statement since Trump’s announcement, Hamas said the deal provides for:
• An end to the war on Gaza,
• Full Israeli withdrawal from the enclave,
• Entry of humanitarian aid, and
• A large-scale prisoner exchange.
The group urged the U.S., Arab mediators, and international guarantors to ensure Israel “fully implements the agreement and does not evade or delay its commitments.”
A Hamas source told AFP the deal’s First phase includes the release of 20 living hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since October 2023. The exchange will take place within 72 hours of the agreement’s implementation. Israel will begin withdrawing its troops to an agreed line, while the UN and mediating nations — Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the U.S. oversee implementation. Humanitarian aid and essential goods will flow freely into Gaza for the first time in months. The phase aims to halt violence, ease civilian suffering, and build trust for the next stage. The Second Phase is expected to begin in late October or early November 2025, and will focus on solidifying the ceasefire into a permanent truce. It envisions a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the creation of a transitional Palestinian-led administration with Arab and international oversight. A massive UN-supported reconstruction plan will be launched, financed by global donors. This phase will also open negotiations toward a long-term political settlement and a possible two-state framework. Its success hinges on sustained calm and mutual adherence to the first phase’s terms.
A sigh of relief in Gaza
Scenes of relief and celebration were reported across Gaza as residents welcomed the ceasefire, expressing hope for lasting peace after enduring relentless airstrikes and shortages of food, water, and medicine.
UN Welcomes “Momentous Opportunity”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement, calling it “a momentous opportunity to end the suffering.” “The fighting must stop once and for all,” he said on X. “Immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies and essential commercial materials into Gaza must be ensured. The suffering must end.”
Guterres pledged full UN support for implementing the agreement, scaling up humanitarian aid, and advancing reconstruction efforts.
Unresolved Questions
While optimism is high, key issues remain unsettled including the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal, Gaza’s post-war administration, and Hamas’s future role.
Arab states supporting the plan insist it must lead toward Palestinian statehood, a condition Netanyahu rejects.
Within Gaza, Israeli strikes have slowed but not ceased. Gaza medical authorities reported eight deaths in the last 24 hours, the lowest daily toll in weeks.