Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire aimed at ending the conflict that has left tens of thousands dead, the Gaza Strip in ruins, and mounting fears of an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The first phase calls for the release of all captives and prisoners as well as the release of aid into Gaza. In a statement, U.S. President Donald Trump said Hamas would release all remaining captives while Israel would withdraw its troops from Gaza. Israel would also release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, with the plan calling for the exchange to take place within 72 hours of the implementation of the agreement.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump posted on his TruthSocial platform. “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 added.
He also thanked mediators Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye. “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!” he wrote.
Separately, in a brief interview with the Reuters news agency, he said the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was a “great day” for the world. “The whole world has come together on this one, Israel, every country has come together. This has been a fantastic day,” he said. “This is a great day for the world. This is a wonderful day, a wonderful day for everybody,” he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would bring the Israeli captives home “with God’s help.” In a post on X, he thanked Trump for his efforts in securing the “freedom of our hostages.”
Lasting peace
Reacting to the development in a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the announcement was a “historic opportunity to secure lasting peace” in the Middle East. “President Trump’s leadership throughout the process of dialogue and negotiations reflects his unwavering commitment to world peace,” he said. “The resolute and wise leaders of Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye are also to be applauded for their untiring efforts to negotiate a deal,” he added.
“Most of all, we must all pay tribute to the Palestinian people—who have suffered in an unprecedented manner, one that should never, ever be repeated,” he said, noting with concern and strongly condemning “recent provocations” at Masjid Al Aqsa.
“The world must hold the occupiers and illegal settlers to account and prevent any further actions that undermine the enormous efforts made by President Trump to reduce tensions and pave the way for lasting peace,” he said. “We will continue to work with partners, friends and the leaders of brotherly nations to ensure that peace, security and dignity for the Palestinian people are established in accordance with their wishes and U.N. resolutions,” he added.