Trump Announces Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal

Trump-Brokered Gaza Deal Marks First Step Toward Lasting Peace Between Israel and Hamas

Washington DC: In a major diplomatic development, US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire and peace deal — a move he hailed as a “great day” for peace in the Middle East.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump declared, “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our Peace Plan. This means that all hostages will soon be released, and Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed line — the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.”

He expressed gratitude to the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, calling the agreement a “historic and unprecedented event.” Trump added, “Blessed are the peacemakers!”

According to a BBC News report, Hamas has accepted the initial terms but awaits the final list of prisoners to be freed by Israel in exchange for hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded the announcement, describing it as “a diplomatic success and a moral victory” for Israel. “With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home,” Netanyahu posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Through steadfast resolve, military strength, and President Trump’s unwavering support, we’ve reached this critical turning point.”

With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home. This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel.

From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals…

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 8, 2025

He added, “God Bless Israel. God Bless America. God Bless our great alliance.”

A ceasefire is expected to take effect once approved by Israel’s cabinet at 14:00 Jerusalem time.

Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas began earlier this week to end months of bloodshed in Gaza. The breakthrough comes just a day after the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and saw roughly 250 hostages taken into Gaza.

In retaliation, Israel launched a massive military campaign against Hamas that, according to Gaza’s health ministry, has killed over 67,000 people, including 18,000 children.

Israeli intelligence estimates that 48 hostages remain in Gaza — about 20 believed to be alive and 28 presumed dead.

If fully implemented, the Trump-brokered deal could mark the most significant step toward ending the conflict since it began two years ago.