In a dramatic development after nearly two years of war, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace framework proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The announcement, made late Wednesday, signals what could be the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the conflict erupted in October 2023.
Trump confirmed the agreement in a statement, declaring: “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.”
According to officials familiar with the deal, the first stage of the plan includes a ceasefire, the release of all surviving Israeli hostages, and a prisoner exchange involving Palestinian detainees. Israel has also agreed to a partial military withdrawal from Gaza to a pre-designated line, creating space for humanitarian operations and international monitoring.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the announcement, saying he would bring the proposal to his government for formal ratification. “With God’s help we will bring them all home,” Netanyahu told reporters, referring to the hostages still held in Gaza.
Hamas, for its part, described the deal as the product of “responsible and serious negotiations”, urging all mediators to ensure Israel honours its commitments “without disavowal or delay.” The group said the plan was designed to provide immediate relief to civilians in Gaza and lay the groundwork for a long-term political resolution.
This marks a remarkable shift in tone after months of failed ceasefire attempts. The war began in October 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly surprise attack that killed around 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 hostages taken. Israel’s subsequent military campaign devastated much of Gaza. Local authorities say more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed and vast areas of the territory reduced to rubble.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with most of the population displaced and essential services near collapse. For many Gazans, the announcement of even a temporary truce brings a glimmer of hope. Aid agencies have already begun preparing for what could be the largest coordinated relief operation in the enclave since the war began.
In Israel, the news has been met with both relief and uncertainty. Families of hostages expressed cautious optimism, seeing the deal as their best chance yet to see their loved ones return home. But political tensions are simmering in Jerusalem, where members of Netanyahu’s coalition are divided over the plan. Some far-right ministers have condemned any agreement involving territorial concessions or negotiations with Hamas, while others have urged the government to prioritise the return of hostages above all else.
Despite the sense of breakthrough, major challenges remain. The precise timeline and scope of Israel’s withdrawal have not been made public. The question of who will govern Gaza after the ceasefire — and whether Hamas will retain any political or military role — remains unresolved. Israel has long demanded the full disarmament of Hamas, while the group insists it will not lay down arms until a comprehensive political settlement is reached.
Even as the deal was announced, reports emerged of continued Israeli airstrikes in parts of northern Gaza, raising doubts about how quickly the ceasefire will be implemented. Diplomats close to the negotiations say both sides are working under immense pressure to show progress before internal opposition derails the fragile understanding.
The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have all played crucial mediating roles, helping bridge gaps between the two sides. European governments, including Ireland, have cautiously welcomed the development, with officials in Dublin describing it as “a long-overdue step toward peace.” Irish aid organisations have urged both parties to guarantee safe humanitarian corridors and allow medical and food supplies into the enclave without restriction.
For the region, the Trump-brokered plan represents the first credible path toward ending the conflict since the early stages of the war. Whether it succeeds will depend on both sides adhering to the commitments outlined in this initial phase and building trust for the next steps.
After nearly two years of relentless violence, the people of Gaza and southern Israel may finally glimpse the possibility of calm — though few are under any illusions about how fragile this moment is. As one exhausted aid worker put it: “Everyone here wants peace. We just don’t know if this time it will hold.”
