Trump Announces First Phase of Israel-Hamas Peace Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed that Israel and Hamas have reached the first stage of a peace agreement aimed at ending nearly two years of violent conflict in Gaza. The deal, according to Trump, includes the full release of hostages and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Palestinian enclave.

Trump made the announcement on Wednesday through his Truth Social account, saying all hostages “will be released very soon” and that Israeli forces would pull back “to an agreed upon line.” He hinted that he might personally visit the region by the end of the week to assess the situation.

Details of Trump’s Peace Plan

According to Trump, the deal is structured in three phases. The initial stage focuses on humanitarian relief and the release of captives, while later stages will gradually reduce Israeli military presence in Gaza. 

The final withdrawal phase, Trump explained, would leave about 15% of Gaza under temporary Israeli control a measure to prevent the resurgence of militant groups.

The president said Israel has already accepted the full plan, while Hamas has partially agreed, with ongoing discussions about disarmament and the governance of Gaza. 

The peace framework also proposes the establishment of a “technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee” made up of qualified local and international experts to oversee Gaza’s transition. This committee would report to a “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump himself.

Trump told reporters that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had passed him a note confirming progress in the talks, which read, “Very close. We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first.”

Photographers captured Trump reading the note during a White House briefing, sparking online discussions about the timing of the announcement.

The president also shared that he might visit Egypt, where key negotiators are currently meeting. “That’s where everybody is gathered right now,” Trump said, noting that he would likely travel there after his routine medical checkup at Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday.

Optimism Among Key Players

While Israel has yet to issue an official comment, a senior Hamas official told AFP that “a spirit of optimism prevails among all,” following the group’s submission of a list of prisoners it wants released in the truce’s first stage.

Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi also expressed cautious hope, saying the latest updates he received were “very encouraging.” Diplomats say Egypt continues to play a vital role in brokering the deal, which could mark a significant breakthrough after years of failed ceasefire attempts.

Background: A Conflict Dragging for Nearly Two Years

Israel’s invasion of Gaza began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, surprise attack, which left thousands dead and reignited one of the bloodiest chapters in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Multiple ceasefire efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have collapsed, with both sides trading blame over failed negotiations.

Trump’s new approach is a 20-point peace plan which marks one of the most ambitious attempts yet to end the violence. However, skepticism remains high, especially as Hamas insists on recognizing a Palestinian state before any disarmament, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that “Gaza will be demilitarised either the easy way or the hard way.”

If successful, the first phase of this deal could pave the way for broader regional stability and possibly restore some diplomatic balance in the Middle East. Trump has hinted that he might personally oversee parts of the implementation process, saying, “This is about peace — real peace — not politics.”