Just before President Donald Trump announced to the world that a deal had been reached between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas, a photo circulated of the moment Secretary of State Marco Rubio leaned in to inform him that an agreement was imminent.
Trump was in the middle of a roundtable discussion about Antifa, the violent group agitating protests and riots in places like Portland, Oregon, when Rubio stepped in and briefly interrupted. Trump quickly informed those seated around the table that he might be needed shortly.
Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci shared a photo of the iconic moment – along with a glimpse of the handwritten note Rubio had handed to the president: “Very close. We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio whispers in the ear of President Donald Trump after handing him a note about a Middle East deal saying “Very close. We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first” pic.twitter.com/ISEJ2RsUOq
— Evan Vucci (@evanvucci) October 8, 2025
Trump did announce the deal a short time later, saying via his Truth Social platform, “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
“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 of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump said. “All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also issued a statement immediately after the deal was reached.
“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 are achieved,” he posted.
“Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point. I thank President Trump for his leadership, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages,” he continued. “God Bless Israel. God Bless America. God Bless our great alliance.”
The deal, according to a White House official with knowledge of the situation, “goes to the Israeli cabinet tomorrow. Once they vote yes, Israel has to withdraw to the line which should take under 24 hours. Then the 72 hour clock begins, and Hamas will try to go earlier if possible. Our assessment is that hostages will begin getting released on Monday.”