US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on the first phase of the peace deal, which provides for the prompt release of all hostages. The American leader had previously stated that he was ready to travel to the Middle East after the agreements were signed.
Content of the Agreement
According to Hamas representatives, the parties exchanged lists of people to be released – Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. This is one of the key points of the first phase of the agreement, which is expected to be implemented in the coming days.
Aid Convoy Incident
Amid the negotiations, Israel again detained a humanitarian aid convoy heading to the Gaza Strip. The vessels were carrying journalists, doctors, and human rights activists. Organizers reported that the vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters.
Reaction from Qatar and International Mediators
Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister, Dr. Majid al-Ansari, stated that the negotiators had reached full agreement on the terms and mechanisms for implementing the first phase of the peace plan.
According to him, the agreement will lead to a cessation of hostilities, a prisoner exchange, and the start of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. “All details will be released later,” the official wrote on social media.
Statements by Leaders
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked the mediators and emphasized that the return of all hostages remains the state’s primary goal:
“With God’s help, we will bring them all home,” he said shortly after Trump’s announcement.
In his address to Truth Social, the US President wrote:
“I am proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of our peace plan.” All hostages will be released soon, and Israeli troops will withdraw to the agreed-upon line—these are the first steps toward a lasting and just peace. This is a great day for Israel, the Arab world, and the United States. I thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their work on this historic agreement.”
Israeli and Palestinian sources report that the signing of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement could take place as early as today.
