United States President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of his proposed Gaza peace deal, marking a potential turning point in the long-standing conflict.
The initial agreement includes the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.
It also provides for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza and the immediate entry of humanitarian aid into the territory.
Israel’s cabinet is scheduled to meet around 14:00 Jerusalem time (12:00 BST) to formally approve the deal. If ratified, a ceasefire is expected to go into effect shortly afterward, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
Hamas has publicly confirmed its acceptance of the agreement.
However, a senior Palestinian source told the BBC that the group has not yet received the final list of prisoners Israel intends to release as part of the exchange.
The deal follows weeks of intense negotiations mediated by Egypt, with both sides facing mounting international pressure to end the violence that has devastated Gaza and deepened regional instability.
President Trump hailed the development as a “major breakthrough for peace and stability in the Middle East,” emphasizing that his administration had “worked tirelessly” to bring both parties to the table.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the deal as “a great day for Israel,” expressing hope that it would lead to lasting calm.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “a moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world.”
Despite the celebrations in Gaza and across Israel, where hostage families have expressed cautious optimism, analysts warn that key details still need to be finalized.
The implementation of subsequent phases—including long-term security arrangements, the rebuilding of Gaza, and the political future of Hamas—remains uncertain.
BBC correspondent Hugo Bachega noted that while the agreement represents a significant milestone, “there is still no guarantee that a lasting peace deal will follow.”
Still, for many on both sides, the agreement offers a glimmer of hope after months of bloodshed and humanitarian suffering.
The post BREAKING: Trump Announces Gaza Peace Deal Between Israel and Hamas first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
