Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a significant breakthrough in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas, revealing that both parties have officially signed the first phase of a peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza and initiating a broader, long-term resolution.
In a statement released on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump declared, “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed the first phase of our peace plan.”
According to Trump, the initial phase includes two major components: the imminent release of all hostages held in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to a mutually agreed-upon line. “These are the first steps toward a strong, lasting, and eternal peace,” he said, adding that all parties involved will be treated with fairness.
Trump hailed the agreement as a “great day for the Arab and Islamic worlds, for Israel, for all the neighboring countries, and for the United States.” He also extended his gratitude to the mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, who played pivotal roles in facilitating the negotiations. “We thank our partners in diplomacy who worked tirelessly to make this historic and unprecedented event possible,” he said. “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Details of the Agreement
While the full terms of the deal are expected to be revealed in the coming days, key elements of the first phase have already been confirmed by officials involved in the negotiations.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Dr. Majed Al-Ansari, announced on social media that all terms and implementation mechanisms for the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement have been finalized. “This will lead to the cessation of hostilities, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” he wrote, noting that more details would be made public soon.
A Palestinian source speaking to regional media revealed that the agreement includes the release of 20 Israeli hostages alive, as part of the first wave of actions under the new framework. “Trump is expected to officially declare the agreement as a permanent end to the war,” the source added, stating that the final wording of the accord is currently being completed.
Negotiations and Diplomatic Momentum
The breakthrough comes after weeks of intensified negotiations held in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. In recent days, both American and Israeli officials had signaled that a deal was close.
Speaking earlier this week, Trump hinted at an imminent diplomatic success, revealing that his Secretary of State had informed him that the parties were on the verge of an agreement. “He told me he needs me immediately, because we are very close to a deal in the Middle East,” Trump said. He also mentioned the possibility of traveling to the region, including a potential visit to Egypt or even Gaza itself.
Israeli media echoed this optimism. Channel 13 reported that high-level sources within the Israeli government had confirmed a growing sense that the final details of the deal could be wrapped up within hours. A senior Israeli official was quoted as saying, “The atmosphere is positive.”
Regional and Global Reactions
The announcement has been met with cautious optimism across the region. If fully implemented, the agreement could represent one of the most significant developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent years and a major diplomatic achievement for Trump as he positions himself for a potential return to the White House.
The United Nations and European Union are expected to issue formal reactions following the full publication of the agreement’s details. For now, international observers are closely monitoring the situation to see whether this ceasefire marks the beginning of a broader political solution or merely a pause in a cycle of violence.
As the region holds its breath, the world watches to see whether this fragile agreement can usher in a lasting peace.
