Israel and Hamas have agreed to pause fighting in Gaza so that the remaining hostages can be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
AP re[ports that both parties have accepted some elements of a plan put forward by the Trump administration. It would represent the biggest breakthrough in m months in the devastating war.
President Donald Trump wrote that, “This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to ab agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly!”
Both parties confirmed the contours of their deal, which drew celebratory gatherings from hostage families in Tel Aviv and cautious optimism for some in Gaza. Hamas intends releasing all 20 living hostages in a matter of days. Israel will also begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza.
However, there are some uncertainties about some of the thornier aspects of Trump’s proposal: such as whether and how Hamas will disarm, and who will govern Gaza. Meanwhile, both sides remain closer than they were before to ending the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “With God’s help we will bring them all home.”
Hamas called on Trump and the mediators to ensure that Israel implements “without disavowal or delay” a deal that it said would require the withdrawal of Israel’s troops from Gaza, the entry of ai into the territory and the exchange of prisoners for hostages.
The Trump plan called for an immediate ceasefire and release of the 48 hostages that militants in Gaza still hold from the October 7 2023 attack. Some 1,299 people were killed by Hamas-led militants, and 251 were taken hostages. Around 20 of the hostages are believed to still be alive.
But officials have expressed concerns on how long it may take Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups holding Israelis to locate and return the remains of those believed to be dead, as required by the agreement.
Under the plan, Israel would maintain an open-ended military presence in Gaza., along its border with Israel. An international force, comprised largely of troops from Arab and Muslim countries would be responsible for security inside Gaza. The US would lead a massive internationally funded reconstruction effort in Gaza.
With the plan comes an eventual role for the Palestinian Authority. But Netanyahu opposes this asxpect.
