Topline
The Israeli military on Thursday said it has begun preparations to adjust its deployment lines in accordance with the first phase of the Gaza peace deal, which was announced by President Donald Trump, that includes the release of all living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory.
Trump said in a Truth Social post that all hostages “will be released very soon” under the deal’s first phase and that Israeli troops in Gaza will withdraw “to an agreed upon line.”
Trump’s plan proposes three phases of an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza that Israel has agreed to: The final stage of withdrawal leaves roughly 15% of Gaza under Israeli control until “Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.”
The announcement came after Trump told reporters that Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave him a note “saying that we’re very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they’re going to need me pretty quickly.”
Israel’s invasion of Gaza has persisted for nearly two years after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 surprise attack against Israel, with various peace talks and ceasefires failing in the region since.
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“I would. I might do that,” Trump said in response to a reporter asking if he would consider going to Gaza to see what things are like on the ground. The president added, “I’ll be going to Egypt, most likely, that’s where everybody is gathered right now.” Trump will visit Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday for his routine yearly checkup, according to a statement from the White House, which noted the president will “consider going to the Middle East shortly thereafter.”
In a statement on X, Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu wrote: “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...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.” In a statement shared with Reuters, the leadership of Hamas said: “We highly appreciate the efforts of our brothers and mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and we also value the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war completely and achieving a full withdrawal of the occupation from the Gaza Strip.” The statement also urged Trump and the guarantor states of the agreement to compel Israel “to fully implement its obligations under the agreement and to prevent it from evading or delaying the implementation of what has been agreed upon.”
Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian National Authority, which governs the occupied West Bank, praised Trump’s “significant efforts” and said: “We will continue to work with relevant mediators and partners to ensure the success of these efforts, leading to the achievement of a lasting peace that ends the Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital.” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said he welcomed the announcement and commended “the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt & Türkiye in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough.” He added: “All hostages must be released in a dignified manner. A permanent ceasefire must be secured. The fighting must stop once & for all. Immediate & unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies & essential commercial materials into Gaza must be ensured.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated Trump for “his essential leadership” and thanked Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye as well, adding: “I am relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families. After years of intense suffering, peace finally feels attainable.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement: “This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also commended the deal and said: “Now, all parties must fully uphold the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released safely. A permanent ceasefire must be established. The suffering must end. The EU will continue to support the swift and safe delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. And when the time comes, we will be ready to help with recovery and reconstruction.”
Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci appeared to capture an image of the note Rubio handed to Trump. “Very close. We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first,” the note appeared to read.
A senior Hamas official told AFP, “A spirit of optimism prevails among all,” making the comment after the militant group submitted a list of prisoners it wants released in the truce’s first phase. Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi said messages he has received about the peace deal were “very encouraging,” NBC News reported, noting Israel has not commented on Hamas’ statement.
Trump’s 20-point peace plan has been mostly agreed to by Israel and partially agreed to by Hamas, with some disagreements materializing on the matters of disarmament and the future of Gaza’s governance and borders. The plan calls for Hamas to be disarmed, though the group has not indicated it intends to agree to disarmament, something it has said it would only do if a Palestinian state is established. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said "Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarised – either the easy way or the hard way.” Gaza will be transitionally governed by a “technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee” made up of “qualified Palestinians and international experts,” according to the plan. However, the committee will be overseen by a “Board of Peace” headed and chaired by Trump.