Trump Announces Breakthrough in Gaza Ceasefire Talks as Israel and Hamas Agree to First Phase of Peace Plan:

In a significant development toward ending the ongoing war in Gaza, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that both Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of his ceasefire and peace plan. The announcement was made on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Wednesday, where he stated that a deal had been reached to secure the release of hostages and begin troop withdrawals. “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump wrote. “ALL the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line.” The confirmation was echoed by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has been a key mediator in the negotiations. Spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said an agreement had been reached on all provisions and implementation mechanisms of the initial ceasefire phase. He added that further details would be announced soon. A Multi-Nation Effort Behind the Ceasefire The talks are being held in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh, involving top diplomats and intelligence officials from the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer are among those at the negotiating table. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is also playing a prominent role, along with Turkish and Egyptian intelligence chiefs. Hamas is represented by senior officials Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, who both survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha last month. The presence of high-level officials from multiple countries has given the talks momentum. A delegation from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another group holding Israeli captives, is expected to join the discussions, further strengthening hopes of a comprehensive agreement. Key Points of Trump’s Peace Plan The first phase of the 20-point plan focuses on an immediate ceasefire, the release of 48 Israeli captives held in Gaza—including at least 20 confirmed alive—and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Hamas has already submitted its list of detainees it wants released in return. The broader goal is to halt the fighting and create space for long-term solutions, including reconstruction efforts and a new administrative framework for Gaza. However, serious disagreements remain, especially around the extent of Israel’s withdrawal, the future governance of Gaza, and whether Hamas will disarm. A Bleak Reality on the Ground Despite the ongoing negotiations, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have continued. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least eight people were killed and over 60 injured in the last 24 hours. Over the past five days, 271 Israeli strikes have hit civilian areas, including shelters, resulting in 126 civilian deaths—75 in Gaza City alone. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in central Gaza reported that while the intensity of strikes has slightly decreased, the humanitarian situation remains catastrophic. Residents believe the pause in bombing could be to allow Hamas time to retrieve the bodies of captives as part of the deal. The World Health Organization (WHO) also warned that only 14 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are partially functioning. Shortages of electricity, water, and medical supplies have left healthcare workers overwhelmed and unable to meet even basic needs. Over 67,000 Dead as War Rages On According to health authorities in Gaza, more than 67,000 people have been killed since the war began. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, and nearly all of Gaza’s two million residents have been displaced. While Trump’s announcement offers a glimmer of hope, the road ahead remains uncertain. With crucial details still unresolved, including disarmament and post-war governance, it remains to be seen whether this initial phase will lead to a lasting peace.

NEWS