Washington D.C. – October 9, 2025 – In a stunning announcement that reverberated across the globe, U.S. President Donald Trump declared Wednesday evening that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of his comprehensive peace plan for Gaza. The news, conveyed via a post on Mr. Trump’s Truth Social account, signals a potential turning point in the protracted conflict, offering a glimmer of hope for a region long marred by violence and instability.

“This means all hostages will be released very soon,” the President wrote, “and that Israel will withdraw its troops along a negotiated line, as the first steps towards a strong, lasting, and eternal peace. All parties will be treated fairly!”

The landmark agreement follows weeks of intensive negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt and Turkey in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were present in Egypt to facilitate the final push towards a resolution.

The plan, initially unveiled on September 29th, details a multi-phased approach centered on establishing a “de-radicalized, terrorism-free zone” in Gaza, rebuilt for the benefit of its population. Key tenets of the first phase include the immediate release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas – estimated to be around 20 still alive – and the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces to a mutually agreed-upon line.

Terms of the Agreement:

• Hostage Release: All hostages will be released within the coming days, with the first group expected to cross the border by Monday, October 13th.

• Israeli Withdrawal: Israeli forces will withdraw to a negotiated line to facilitate the release of hostages. All military operations, including airstrikes and artillery fire, will be suspended, and front lines will be frozen until a complete, phased withdrawal can be implemented.

• Prisoner Exchange: Following the release of all hostages, Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, as well as 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7th, 2023. For each Israeli hostage released, Israel will return the remains of 15 Gazan civilians killed in the conflict.

• Amnesty and Demilitarization: Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and disarmament will receive amnesty. Those who wish to leave Gaza will be granted safe passage to other countries.

• International Oversight: A transitional administration, led by internationally appointed officials and coordinated with local leaders, will be established to oversee the rebuilding of Gaza and ensure long-term stability.

President Trump is expected to travel to Egypt in the coming days to personally oversee the implementation of the agreement and emphasize the United States’ commitment to a lasting peace in the region.

"This is a historic moment," said a senior White House official. "President Trump has tirelessly worked to bring both sides together, and this agreement represents a significant step towards a brighter future for the people of Gaza, Israel, and the entire Middle East."

While challenges remain, the breakthrough offers a much-needed ray of hope in a region that has known too much conflict. The world watches with cautious optimism as the first phase of this ambitious peace plan begins to unfold.