In a major diplomatic development, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a peace framework that could finally bring an end to the long and devastating war in Gaza. This announcement has been widely covered as one of the most hopeful moments in the Middle East in recent years. (Keywords: Latest News, Breaking News, Daily news highlights, Gaza peace deal, Middle East conflict)
The first phase of peace
President Trump revealed late on Wednesday that Hamas will release 20 hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisonf4f4fers held by Israel. This exchange forms the first part of a broader deal that both sides hope will lead to a complete ceasefire.
According to officials from Hamas, the agreement also includes:
- A complete halt to the war in Gaza.
- The withdrawal of Israeli forces from key areas.
- The entry of humanitarian aid and medical supplies into Gaza.
- The beginning of reconstruction efforts supported by international partners.
This deal marks the “first phase” of a larger roadmap that could bring peace to a region shattered by years of violence and humanitarian suffering.
Context: Two years of tragedy
The timing of the deal is symbolic, as it comes on the two-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, which left around 1,200 people dead and 250 taken hostage.
Since then, Israel’s retaliatory war has caused severe destruction in Gaza, with over 67,000 people killed, most of them women and children.
The humanitarian situation has drawn global concern, with international organizations calling it one of the worst crises in decades.
Trump says the US will help rebuild Gaza
Speaking to Fox News, President Trump said that the United States will help ensure peace and stability in Gaza following this agreement.
“We’ll be involved in helping them make it successful, and helping it stay peaceful,” he said confidently.
He added that he was “very confident there’ll be peace in the Middle East”, suggesting the US will also support rebuilding efforts once hostilities fully stop.
The 20-point peace plan announced by Trump aims not just to stop the fighting but also to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure, restore basic services, and support displaced civilians.
Israel prepares to welcome returning hostages
In Israel, the military confirmed that it is preparing to receive the hostages who are expected to return under the deal.
“The Chief of Staff instructed forces to prepare for the operation to return the abductees with sensitivity and professionalism,” said a statement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Arabic on X (formerly Twitter).
This announcement has brought relief to many Israeli families who have waited years for their loved ones to come home. The return of both living hostages and the bodies of the deceased is expected to begin early next week.
Hostages expected to return Monday
President Trump further stated that Monday could mark the return of all hostages, signaling a turning point in this long-standing conflict.
“So much is happening to get the hostages freed,” he said. “We think they’ll all be coming back on Monday, and that will include the bodies of the dead.”
The US administration believes this step could open doors for long-term peace negotiations and regional cooperation, with the hope that both Israelis and Palestinians can finally move toward stability and healing.
Why this deal matters
This Breaking News moment has been hailed by many international observers as a historic opportunity for peace in the Middle East. If successful, it could not only end years of bloodshed but also reshape regional alliances, restore humanitarian aid, and encourage economic growth across Gaza and neighboring areas.
While challenges remain — including political divisions and deep mistrust — both sides appear ready for a fresh start.
“This is a new beginning,” Trump declared. “The world has waited too long for peace in Gaza.”
