U.S. President Donald Trump announced a breakthrough in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with both sides agreeing to the first phase of a Gaza peace plan. The plan, released by the White House last month, contains 20 points aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, including an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages in exchange for prisoners, the disarmament of Hamas, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Palestinian enclave.
Trump said Hamas has agreed to release all Israeli hostages, while Israel has consented to pull its troops from Gaza to a mutually agreed line. He expressed pride in the achievement, describing it as “the first steps towards a strong, durable and everlasting peace.” The president also thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye for facilitating the talks, which have been held in Sharm el‑Sheikh, Egypt, since Monday.
The development follows a sharp escalation of violence. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and captured more than 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military operation in Gaza has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Hamas‑run health authorities. Israeli media report that about 20 of the 48 remaining hostages are still alive.
Trump indicated he may travel to the Middle East in the coming days to further support the peace process, noting that the talks are “going along very well.” The agreement between Israel and Hamas marks a significant step toward resolving the longstanding conflict, and the international community will be closely watching the progress of the peace plan in hopes of a lasting, peaceful resolution.
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