Trump’s Gaza Breakthrough: Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire Framework-In what could mark a historic turning point in the devastating Gaza conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on the first phase of a peace framework aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitating the release of captives and prisoners on both sides.
The announcement, made on Trump’s Truth Social platform, comes just a week after he unveiled his 20-point plan to end the war — a proposal that received cautious approval from both Israel and Hamas, as well as support from key international stakeholders.
“Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of the peace plan,” Trump declared. “All captives will be released very soon. Israel will withdraw troops to an agreed-upon line. This will be the first step toward a strong and durable peace. All parties will be treated fairly.”
A War That Claimed Tens of Thousands
The war in Gaza has exacted an extraordinary toll. More than 67,000 people have been killed since the conflict began, according to humanitarian sources — a tragedy many UN officials and human rights groups have described as “genocidal in nature.” The fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands and left the enclave in ruins.
Trump’s announcement represents the first tangible breakthrough since hostilities erupted in October 2023, when Hamas and allied factions launched a surprise attack on Israel that killed more than 1,100 people and saw about 250 hostages taken into Gaza. Around 20 are believed to remain alive today.
Key Details Still Unclear
Despite widespread optimism, analysts caution that critical details remain unresolved. Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara described the progress as “the initial phase of the initial phase,” noting that disagreements persist over the extent of Israeli withdrawal, the future governance of Gaza, and the status of Hamas after the truce.
“According to the [Trump] plan, after Hamas hands over the captives, the war should be over,” Bishara explained. “But Israel insists that the war will end only after Hamas disarms.”
Release of Captives Expected Soon
Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity that the first releases could happen as early as Monday, including the remains of deceased captives.
A Hamas source echoed this timeline, stating that surviving captives would be released within 72 hours of Israel’s formal approval of the deal. Israeli officials suggested that the process could begin as soon as Saturday.
The U.S. president also hinted at a broader regional effort, saying he believed Iran would play a role in “the whole peace situation.”
Reactions from Both Sides
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the development as “a great day for Israel,” expressing gratitude to Trump and his team for “their dedication to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages.”
“With God’s help, together we will continue to achieve all our goals and enhance peace with our neighbours,” Netanyahu said in a late-night statement.
Hamas, meanwhile, framed the agreement as a victory for Palestinian resistance and a step toward ending the siege on Gaza.
In an official statement, the group said the deal ensures “an end to the war on Gaza, the withdrawal of occupation forces, the entry of humanitarian aid, and a prisoner exchange.”
The group also thanked Qatar, Egypt, Turkiye, and President Trump for mediating the agreement, while urging all parties to “compel the occupation government to fully implement the agreement and prevent any delays.”
“We salute our great people in the Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, and the West Bank for their pride, heroism, and resilience,” the statement read. “Our people’s sacrifices have thwarted attempts at subjugation and displacement.”
A Defining Moment in Trump’s Presidency
The deal marks Trump’s most significant diplomatic achievement since taking office, following months of failed mediation efforts by global powers. As he intensifies his re-election campaign, Trump has emphasized that ending the Gaza war remains a top foreign policy priority.
Whether this tentative agreement can hold — and pave the way for lasting peace — remains to be seen. But for the first time in nearly a year, a fragile glimmer of hope has emerged from the ashes of Gaza.
