Historic Agreement Reached for Hostage Release, Israeli Withdrawal, and Gaza Reconstruction
After two years of devastating conflict in Gaza, Hamas has agreed to a comprehensive peace deal mediated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement will end hostilities, secure the release of all hostages, and trigger an Israeli military withdrawal to an agreed border, marking a significant breakthrough in one of the region’s longest-running crises.
Donald Trump announced the deal on Truth Social, celebrating the agreement as a “GREAT Day” for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, surrounding nations, and the United States. The deal is the result of extensive negotiations with the support of mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
Under the plan, all hostages currently held by Hamas are expected to be released soon, with Israeli troops withdrawing from parts of Gaza as the first step toward peace. The release of living hostages is anticipated to occur within 72 hours of the agreement’s signing, while the return of the bodies of deceased hostages may take longer due to logistical challenges. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the courage of Israeli forces and expressed gratitude to Trump and his team for their efforts.
The terms of the agreement are:
- Hostage Release: All 48 hostages are to be freed, with 21 believed to be alive. The return of deceased hostages is also included in the agreement.
- Israeli Withdrawal: Israel will fully withdraw its military forces from the Gaza Strip, as per the agreed plan.
- Prisoner Exchange: Israel will release 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained after the October 7, 2023 attack.
- Humanitarian Aid: Increased humanitarian assistance will enter Gaza and plans for its reconstruction will commence.
- Governance: Gaza will be temporarily administered by a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee overseeing daily governance and services. An international “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, will oversee the reconstruction effort.
- Disarmament and Amnesty: Hamas members who voluntarily disarm will be granted amnesty under the deal.
- No Forced Displacement or Annexation: The agreement ensures no forced displacement of Gaza residents and prevents Israel from annexing Gaza.
Photos from the negotiation room in Sharm el-Sheikh captured senior officials from all sides celebrating as the agreement neared completion. Both Israeli and Hamas leaders issued statements expressing cautious optimism and gratitude to the mediators and President Trump for their roles in achieving the deal.
Prime Minister Netanyahu called the day “historic” for Israel, pledging to bring all hostages home and continue working towards expanded peace with neighbors. Hamas, in its statement, thanked the mediators and the U.S., urging all parties to ensure full compliance with the agreement’s terms.
The families of hostages expressed deep gratitude for the breakthrough, emphasizing the importance of bringing all captives—living and deceased—home for the recovery of Israeli society. Preparations for the official signing and implementation of the agreement are underway, with the signing expected to occur in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
While the agreement’s core provisions have been finalized, some details, including the disarmament process and the specifics of Gaza’s transitional governance, remain to be fully disclosed. The international community, particularly mediators and neighboring Arab states, will play a crucial role in overseeing the deal’s implementation and the start of Gaza’s reconstruction.
Overall, the acceptance of the Trump-brokered plan marks a pivotal moment for the region, offering hope for a lasting peace, the rehabilitation of Gaza, and the reunification of hostages with their families after years of suffering and uncertainty.
