Breaking News: Trump Announces Agreement in Principle for Gaza Peace Plan
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have “both signed off” on the first phase of a Gaza peace plan, potentially paving the way for the release of hostages and a cessation of hostilities. The agreement includes provisions for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a hostage-prisoner exchange, according to Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as a “great day,” stating he would “convene the government tomorrow to ratify the agreement and bring all of our precious hostages home.”
Qatari Foreign Minister Majed al-Ansari indicated the agreement would “lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.” U.S. officials anticipate hostage releases could begin as early as Monday.
The deal follows negotiations with sticking points centered on the disarmament of Hamas and the future governance of Gaza. Hamas has called on former President Trump, guarantor countries, and othre Arab states to ensure Israel fully implements the agreement.
The announcement came after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly handed Trump a note during an event, requesting he approve a Truth Social post regarding Gaza to allow him to “announce first” the potential breakthrough. Trump stated the note informed him they were “very close to a deal.”
The agreement unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing conflict stemming from the October 7,2023,Hamas-led attack on Israel,wich resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.Since then, at least 67,183 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli military operations, including 20,179 children, according to the territory’s health ministry – figures considered reliable by the UN and other international bodies, though disputed by Israel. the health ministry also reports 460 deaths from malnutrition as the start of the war, including 182 since a famine was confirmed in Gaza City in August.
Recent reports indicate a decrease in casualties, with gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reporting at least eight deaths over the previous 24 hours - the lowest in the past week. Though, hospitals reported two deaths Wednesday among those attempting to collect food from aid distribution centers. The Israeli military stated its troops killed “several terrorists” attempting to attack their position in Gaza City.
