President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. The deal includes the release of all hostages and a partial Israeli troop withdrawal, with Trump praising the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their role in brokering the agreement. Hamas confirmed the deal, citing its terms as ending the war, facilitating aid entry, and initiating a prisoner exchange. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also acknowledged the agreement, expressing gratitude to Trump and stating that the Israeli government would convene to approve the plan.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the news with cautious optimism, noting that 48 hostages remain, with 20 believed to be alive. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres voiced support for the agreement and pledged increased humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Trump indicated he might travel to Egypt, where the talks are being held, and emphasized the urgency of his involvement. Meanwhile, Hamas submitted a list of Palestinian prisoners for exchange, and Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi described the negotiations as encouraging. A separate meeting on Gaza’s future is scheduled in Paris, with representatives from multiple countries invited, though U.S. participation remains uncertain.
Despite the peace talks, Israel has continued its military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in over 67,000 deaths and widespread destruction since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. The anniversary of those attacks was marked by memorials in Israel and reflections among displaced Palestinians, such as Alaa Abu Daraz, who described dire living conditions. Tensions remain high, with far-right Israeli officials calling for continued military action and international criticism mounting over Israel’s blockade and treatment of aid flotillas, including the reported abduction of eight U.S. citizens by Israeli forces.