Hostages held in Gaza could be freed within days after Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on the first phase of a U.S. brokered peace deal, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday.
Trump said the breakthrough agreement would pave the way for the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave. He described the development as “a historic step toward peace and stability in the region.”
According to the BBC, the Israeli cabinet is expected to meet later today to formally approve the agreement. If endorsed, a ceasefire is set to take immediate effect, a move that could bring an end to nearly two years of devastating conflict.
U.S. officials said all remaining Israeli hostages could be released by Monday. However, a Palestinian source told the BBC that Hamas had yet to receive the final list of Palestinian prisoners slated for release under the deal.
Hamas confirmed its acceptance of the plan, calling it “a crucial step toward easing tensions and ending the war.” BBC correspondent Hugo Bachega noted that despite widespread optimism, key details remain uncertain, and there are concerns about whether the fragile peace will hold.
News of the agreement sparked celebrations in parts of Gaza and several Israeli towns, with families of hostages and war victims describing the development as a long-awaited sign of hope after months of bloodshed and despair.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the deal as “a great day for Israel,” saying it marked “a critical step toward restoring peace and bringing our people home.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the news, calling it “a moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world.”
The agreement follows weeks of intense negotiations mediated by Egyptian officials with U.S. backing, one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs in the Middle East in recent years.
While optimism remains high, diplomats have cautioned that the deal’s success will depend on both Israel and Hamas adhering to its terms in the critical days ahead.
