Trump celebrates as Hamas and Israel agree to first phase of peace plan: 'Great day for the world'

WASHINGTON, DC: US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday night that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal, marking a breakthrough toward ending the war in Gaza. 

This comes two years after the terrorist network launched its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the bloodiest day for Jews since the Holocaust, ignited a deadly war, and caused a severe humanitarian crisis across the Gaza Strip

The agreement includes Hamas releasing 20 living hostages this weekend, while Israel will free around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including all women and children. 

Trump praised the deal as “a great day for the world” and credited mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their crucial role in securing the agreement.

Donald Trump hails phase one deal between Hamas and Israel

In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, October 8, Trump claimed that, “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.”

He added, “All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”

Hamas will release all 20 living hostages this weekend in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, sources familiar with the deal reported. At the same time, the Israeli military will begin withdrawing from most of Gaza.

“The whole world has come together on this one, Israel, every country has come together. This has been a fantastic day,” Trump later said to the reporters. “This is a great day for the world. This is a wonderful day, a wonderful day for everybody”.

Israeli PM and Hamas praise Trump for his global efforts to bring peace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his government would convene on Thursday to ratify the new peace deal and expressed optimism about the imminent release of the hostages.

“With God’s help, we will bring them all home,” Netanyahu stated in Hebrew on X. He praised the courage and sacrifice of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers and security personnel, "I thank the heroic soldiers of the IDF and all the security forces — thanks to their courage and sacrifice we have reached this day. I thank from the bottom of my heart President Trump and his team for mobilizing for this sacred mission of freeing our hostages."

Netanyahu added that, with continued divine guidance, Israel would pursue its remaining objectives and work to expand peace with neighboring countries.

Meanwhile, Hamas expressed gratitude to Trump and the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for facilitating the agreement. The group emphasized that the deal ensures Israel's withdrawal, enables the delivery of humanitarian aid, and enforces a prisoner exchange.

Hamas also urged President Trump, the guarantor nations, and the broader Arab, Islamic, and international community to hold Israel accountable for fully implementing the agreement. They warned against any delays or attempts to evade the terms of the deal.

Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he and Trump had spoken directly to congratulate one another on the agreement, which the Prime Minister’s Office described as a “historic achievement.” According to an official statement, their conversation was “warm and moving.”

Netanyahu thanked Trump for his global leadership and efforts, while Trump commended Netanyahu’s resolve and leadership throughout the negotiations.