A landmark agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas, initiating a peace plan that includes freeing hostages and withdrawing military presence from key areas. This historic development was announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday. "I am proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of our Peace Plan," Trump shared on his Truth Social platform, marking what he described as an unprecedented event.
According to the U.S. President, the agreement involves the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and a withdrawal of Israeli forces to a pre-agreed line as part of a commitment to achieve a "strong, lasting, and eternal peace." Trump also expressed gratitude towards the governments of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their roles as mediators in the process. "This is a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, for Israel, for all neighboring nations, and for the United States of America," he said, concluding his message with a biblical phrase: "Blessed are the peacemakers," indicating that further stages of the plan will continue to ensure regional stability.
Marco Rubio's Alert and Trump's Planned Middle East Visit
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio interrupted President Trump during a press briefing on Wednesday to hand him a note suggesting that the peace plan agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza was "very close," as reported by EFE. "The Secretary of State just handed me a note saying we are very close to reaching an agreement in the Middle East and that I will be needed soon," Trump told the media during a roundtable on combating the anti-fascist movement.
Rubio passed the note while Attorney General Pam Bondi was speaking, later whispering something to Trump. Press photos captured the written message, in which the Secretary urged Trump to post on Truth Social to be the first to announce the deal. During the same event, Trump revealed he might travel to the Middle East on Sunday if negotiations progressed as expected.
Delegations from Israel and Hamas have been negotiating in Egypt since Monday, with Egyptian, Qatari, and U.S. mediators working on the implementation terms of the 20-point peace plan designed by Trump to end the conflict in Gaza. The initial measures include halting the Israeli offensive and releasing all hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours, whether alive or deceased. The plan also proposes the demilitarization of the Islamist group, a complete Israeli withdrawal from the enclave, and the formation of a transitional government in the Strip.
Hamas, on the other hand, demands the release of 1,950 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 from Gaza, confirmed Taher Al Nono, the press advisor to the group's political bureau, to EFE.
Progress Towards Peace and the Role of Key Negotiators
President Trump assured that he has an "excellent team of negotiators" in the region, led by his son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, reiterating that the talks are "going very well." "We are in a beautiful phase, hoping it becomes a reality, but we are very close, and it is going very well," Trump told the press. Meanwhile, Marco Rubio noted "significant progress" toward a deal and expressed optimism, though he acknowledged "there is still work to be done."
The initial signing of the agreement between Israel and Hamas, heralded as a step towards peace in Gaza, is the result of a series of diplomatic maneuvers led by President Trump's administration over several months. From the start of the year, Trump signaled his intention for the United States to lead a resolution to the conflict, even taking an active role in Gaza's future political landscape.
The most visible progress came when Trump publicly presented a 20-point peace plan that included a ceasefire, hostage release, Israeli military withdrawal, and a transitional government in the Strip. Shortly after, Hamas responded positively, indicating willingness, prompting Trump to request Israel cease bombings over Gaza as a goodwill gesture.
With negotiations underway, Hamas announced its willingness to release all Israeli hostages, alive or dead, if hostilities ceased. This gesture was seen as a turning point. In response, Trump urged the Netanyahu government to halt attacks, highlighting a real opportunity for peace. The U.S. President remained "very optimistic" following Hamas' statements and, along with his team of advisors and negotiators, intensified contacts with key regional players like Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar.
In parallel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Israel, issuing a direct warning to Hamas, reaffirming that U.S. military support for its Israeli ally would depend on progress toward a negotiated solution. The talks ultimately bore fruit when Hamas agreed to disarm under international supervision in exchange for guarantees regarding Gaza's reconstruction, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and Israel's commitment not to reoccupy the enclave.
Trump's announcement of the framework agreement solidified the beginning of a new chapter in one of the longest-running conflicts of the century.
Peace Process Between Israel and Hamas: Key Questions Answered
What is included in the peace plan between Israel and Hamas?
The peace plan includes the immediate release of hostages, a withdrawal of Israeli military forces, the demilitarization of Hamas, and the formation of a transitional government in Gaza.
Who were the mediators in the Israel-Hamas peace agreement?
Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey played key roles as mediators in the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.
What role did Donald Trump play in the Israel-Hamas peace deal?
Donald Trump, along with his team of negotiators, led the diplomatic efforts to broker the peace deal, presenting a comprehensive 20-point plan to resolve the conflict.
What are the implications of the peace agreement for regional stability?
The peace agreement is expected to enhance regional stability by ending hostilities, facilitating reconstruction in Gaza, and fostering cooperation among neighboring nations.