First phase of Israel–Hamas peace pact inked, hostages to be released soon

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Israel and Hamas have finalised the first phase of the U.S.-brokered peace plan. This comes after two years of conflict between the warring factions—Israel and Hamas. It may be noted that on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched sudden attacks on Israel, killing over 1200 people and taking over hundreds of hostages.

In response, Israel retaliated with airstrikes, sparking the Gaza War, which eventually roped in other belligerents like Houthis and Iran joining the war theatre. The Iran-Israel ceasefire was announced earlier this year.

“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,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.  

“All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!” Trump said in the post.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a moral victory for Israel. “With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home. This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said in a post on X.  

“From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals are achieved. Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally, President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point. I thank President Trump for his leadership, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages,” he added.