US President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have reached an initial ceasefire agreement in Gaza following discussions in Egypt. Qatar, in collaboration with Egypt, the US, and Turkey, facilitated the agreement, stating it marks the commencement of a ceasefire deal leading to the end of the conflict, release of hostages, and humanitarian aid delivery.
President Trump shared on his Truth Social platform that all hostages would be freed soon, and Israel would withdraw troops to a designated line as a step towards achieving a durable peace. The agreement, to be formalized on Thursday in Egypt, includes the release of 20 living hostages by Hamas simultaneously with Israel freeing close to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The prisoner exchange, set to happen within 72 hours of the agreement’s enforcement, is endorsed by Palestinian factions. Moreover, the deal mandates the entry of a minimum of 400 aid trucks daily into Gaza initially, with plans to escalate aid delivery in the subsequent days. It also outlines the swift return of displaced individuals to Gaza City and the north.
The ceasefire terms involve scheduled Israeli troop withdrawals and assurances from President Trump and mediators. Hamas has urged Trump to ensure Israel fulfills the agreement promptly. Both sides have settled on the provisions and implementation procedures for the initial ceasefire phase, as stated by Qatari officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to seek government approval for the agreement on Thursday. The formal signing is scheduled for midday in Egypt, with talks for the subsequent phase of the ceasefire set to commence promptly. President Trump expressed optimism that all hostages, including the deceased, would be repatriated by Monday, as outlined in his comprehensive 20-point Gaza plan, encompassing a ceasefire, hostage release, Hamas disarmament, and phased Israeli withdrawal.