Israel and Hamas Agreed on the First Phase of the Gaza Ceasefire Plan

The prolonged Gaza and Israel conflict is expected to end soon as Israel and Hamas have both agreed on the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan. 

Gaza ceasefire plan:

On Thursday, the deal was signed between Israel and Hamas to release the prisoners. Trump stated, Israel would pull back its troops from Palestinian territory, while Hamas would release Israeli prisoners. Hamas will release 20 Israeli prisoners for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. 

In addition, Trump acknowledged the efforts of the Middle East countries, including Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, for playing a mediating role in lessening the tension between Israel and Hamas. He also hinted that the prisoners will be released on Monday.

While talking about his 20-point peace deal plan in Egypt, Trump cleared that Hamas would release all the captives and Israel would turn back its troops to an agreed-upon line.

Qatar, which has played a major role in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, stated that the ceasefire plan will be productive. The plan will also allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza to help them. It passed a statement that said, “First phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.”

According to the sources, Hamas will exchange 20 Israeli captives for 2000 Palestinian prisoners within 72 hours of the implementation of the deal. 

After the Gaza ceasefire agreement was announced, the Israeli military wing said that their chief of the army has instructed them to get ready for any situation and lead the operation of the captives’ return with sensitivity and professionalism.

Trump’s happiness: 

On his Truth Social media network, Trump has shown his happiness and satisfaction that comes with Israel and Hamas ceasefire agreement. He stated in a statement, “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 also thanked the mediating countries. As he stated, “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!” He also said that this is a great day for the world. In a telephonic interview with Reuters, Trump said, “The whole world has come together on this one, Israel, every country has come together. This has been a fantastic day. This is a great day for the world. This is a wonderful day, a wonderful day for everybody.”

Netanyahu promises to bring captives home:

Benjamin Netanyahu promised to bring home all Israeli captives held in Gaza “with God’s help”. In a post on X, he said, “With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home.”

He also added, “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.” He praised Trump for “his leadership, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages.”

Trump says deal “very close”: 

Donald Trump hinted that he will soon visit the Middle East and said that a ceasefire deal is very close between Israel and Hamas. He told reporters, “I may go there sometime toward the end of the week, maybe on Sunday,” adding he was “most likely” to visit Egypt but might also go to Gaza.

Trump’s plan calls for a ceasefire, the release of captives, Hamas’s disarmament, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. His envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, have already joined the talks in Egypt.

According to Israeli officials, the release of captives could begin on Saturday, while Trump told Fox News that the release would likely start on Monday.

Shehbaz welcomes peace efforts:

Shehbaz Sharif hailed the development as a “historic opportunity to secure lasting peace in the Middle East.” Shehbaz posted on X and praised Trump. He said, “President Trump’s leadership throughout the process of dialogue and negotiations reflects his unwavering commitment to world peace.”

Shehbaz also praised the leaders of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye for their role in mediating the talks, while expressing solidarity with the Palestinians. He said, “Most of all, we must all pay tribute to the Palestinian people who have suffered in an unprecedented manner, one that should never, ever be repeated.”

He also condemned the recent provocations at Masjid Al Aqsa and urged the world to hold the occupiers and illegal settlers to account.

Hopes rise in Gaza:

People of Gaza chanted “Allahu Akbar” amid hopes of peace. Hamas, meanwhile, has demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners, including Marwan Barghouti, in exchange for freeing the 47 remaining captives from its October 7, 2023, attack.

Despite ongoing bombardment, optimism prevails that the deal could mark a turning point in the long, painful conflict and possibly open the door to a future Palestinian state.