Israel and Hamas Reach Deal to Release All Hostages, End Gaza War
Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a plan to secure the release of all hostages and end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, two years and one day after the fighting began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.
US President Donald Trump announced the agreement late yesterday, stating on his Truth Social platform, “This means that ALL of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw [its] troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a strong, durable and everlasting Peace.” He later described the accord as “a great day for the world,” adding, “The whole world has come together on this one.” Trump indicated all hostages would likely be released on Monday, including the remains of those who died in captivity. The deal’s success offers a potential path toward stability in a region long marked by conflict.
Negotiations took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with the formal signing scheduled for noon today. Sources familiar with the talks confirmed Hamas will release all remaining living hostages – currently believed to be 20 out of 48 – as well as the bodies of those who have died. The agreement also includes the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, including 250 serving life sentences. For more information on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, see the Council on Foreign Relations’ in-depth analysis.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a “great day for Israel” and stated he would convene the cabinet today to ratify the deal. “With God’s help, we will bring them all home,” Netanyahu said. Hamas also confirmed the agreement, stating it ends the war, secures the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and ensures the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Trump is expected to travel to the region this weekend, at the invitation of Netanyahu, and may address the Knesset. You can find details of Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict here on Headlinez News.
Officials say the initial withdrawal of Israeli troops will leave Israel in control of a majority of the Gaza Strip, with a timetable for full withdrawal to be finalized. Further details regarding the implementation of the agreement are expected to be released in the coming days.
