A significant development in the long-standing Gaza conflict emerged late last night as a framework for peace was announced. US President Donald Trump revealed via his Truth Social platform that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a peace plan. This landmark agreement promises the release of captives and signals a potential troop withdrawal, offering a glimmer of hope to end one of the generation’s most protracted and devastating wars.
Trump’s announcement detailed that all captives would be released ‘very soon,’ with Israel set to withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line. He described this as the ‘first step towards a strong and durable peace,’ emphasizing that all parties would be treated fairly. This declaration is the inaugural step of a broader 20-point peace proposal introduced earlier this week by Trump, aiming to secure the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, and establish a new political framework for Gaza. The proposal has reportedly garnered welcome from Israel, Hamas, and various international players.
The conflict in Gaza has raged for nearly two years, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties and widespread destruction. In this grim landscape, Trump’s announcement has cautiously raised hopes for a potential truce. The development follows a series of intense diplomatic efforts, including a note handed to Trump at a recent event indicating an imminent breakthrough in the Middle East. His team confirmed that the first stage, focusing on hostage releases and troop redeployment, has received agreement from both sides. The US President also acknowledged the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye, hailing it as a ‘shared mission for peace.’
However, the announcement is met with lingering questions about the specifics. While the deal signifies a real step forward, critical details like the timeline for troop withdrawals, Gaza’s post-war governance, and Hamas’s political future remain under negotiation. Israel maintains the war will only conclude with Hamas’s complete disarmament, a point of contention with Hamas’s demand for an end to the war in exchange for hostage releases. Further details emerged on television, suggesting a potential release of captives, including remains, as early as Monday, with Hamas confirming surviving captives would be freed within 72 hours post-Israeli government approval. The role of Iran in the broader peace situation has also been hinted at.
