The American president claims a “historic day” and promises the imminent release of the hostages. Israel speaks of partial withdrawal, Hamas of an end to the occupation. The issues regarding disarmament and governance in Gaza remain unresolved
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed the first phase of our peace plan,” Donald Trump declared on Truth, calling the agreement “a historic day.” According to the US president, the agreement provides for the release of all hostages held in Gaza and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops “along an agreed line”, as the first step towards “a strong and lasting peace”. Trump thanked the mediators of Qatar, Egypt and Türkiyestressing that “all parties were treated fairly” and that “this is a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, for Israel and for the United States.” “Blessed are the peacemakers,” he added.
The Israeli reaction and Netanyahu’s words
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel “will bring home all the hostages held by Hamas”, explaining that “with God’s help we will bring them all home”. According to Israeli media, Gazans celebrated in the streets after the announcement of the signing, released by Trump and mediators gathered in Sharm el Sheikh. Under the agreement, Israel will release 1,950 Palestinian prisoners – including women and minors – in exchange for the Israeli citizens still held hostage. The exchange must take place by 72 hours after the plan comes into force. Hamas, in an official statement, spoke of “the end of the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of the occupation and the entry of humanitarian aid”. The jihadist movement thanked “all the mediators involved” and in particular “the efforts of the president of the United States, Donald Trump, who aims to definitively end the war and occupation”. In the note, Hamas however invited the mediators to ensure “that Israel fully implements the requirements of the agreement and does not evade its commitments”.
A truce in stages
As reported by ABC Newsthe first phase of the agreement will focus on the partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the exchange of prisoners, while the more delicate dossiers – disarmament of Hamas, border security and governance of the enclave – will be postponed to a second phase of negotiations.
The revised maps of the agreementpublished by Kan News, indicate large Israeli withdrawals in Khan Yunis and in the south of the Strip. The changes were reportedly introduced at the request of Hamas. Israel will retain however control of 53% of the territoryparticularly in strategic areas and along the central corridor separating north and south Gaza. The withdrawal, specify military sources, “will be temporary and subject to reaching agreements for the next phase”.
Jerusalem rejected the inclusion of Marwan Barghoutithe Fatah leader detained in Israel, among the names expected in the prisoner exchange, despite Hamas’ request. The BBC reports this, citing a senior Palestinian official. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Netanyahu had a “warm conversation” with Trump after the signing of the agreement: the two leaders “congratulated the historic result” and committed to “proceeding together towards lasting peace”. Hamas, for its part, urged mediators in Doha, Cairo and Ankara to ensure that Israel does not delay the implementation of the agreed terms. According to the Palestinian group, the agreement also provides for the entry of 600 trucks of humanitarian aid per day in the Strip, although Israel fears that part of the supplies could be seized by Hamas “to finance the reconstruction of its military capabilities”.
The IDF’s position and next steps
In a note released during the night, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) they welcomed “the signing of the agreement for the return of the hostages”. The Chief of Staff ordered the troops to prepare “solid defenses and maximum readiness” in anticipation of “any scenario”. “The IDF will continue to act to defend the citizens of Israel on all fronts,” the statement reads, specifying that the release of the hostages will be conducted “with sensitivity and professionalism.”
Donald Trump, interviewed by Fox Newsfinally confirmed that “the living hostages will be freed on Sunday, while the bodies of the deceased will be returned on Monday”. “They are in a terrible situation, buried deep in the tunnels,” he said. «As we speak, everything is being done to free them. We think they will all return on Monday.” There are no official ceremonies planned for the release, but the White House and Jerusalem are already talking about an “epochal turning point”. However, it remains to be seen whether this first phase will really mark the end of the war or just the beginning of a fragile truce in a still divided Strip, where peace, for now, only appears on paper.
