Israel and Hamas have formally accepted the first phase of a peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump, marking a dramatic breakthrough in efforts to end more than two years of conflict in Gaza.

This agreement provides for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces to predetermined lines, and the exchange of hostages and prisoners.

The announcement, made by Trump on his Truth Social platform, states that all hostages will be released very soon and that Israel will pull back its troops as a first step toward a lasting peace.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the accord, saying that he will convene his government to approve it and declaring that with God’s help, we will bring them all home.

He expressed gratitude to Trump and U.S. mediators for their role in the arrangement.

Hamas released a formal statement confirming it had reached an agreement that ends the war on Gaza, provides for the withdrawal of the occupation, allows the entry of aid, and implements a prisoner exchange.

The movement thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey and called on all parties to ensure Israel fulfills its commitments.

According to negotiators, both sides have exchanged lists of hostages and prisoners.

Hamas has committed to release the living hostages within seventy-two hours of implementation, with Israel to return hundreds of Palestinian detainees in turn.

The return of the bodies of deceased captives is also included, though that may require additional coordination due to territorial control and logistical challenges.

Hamas cited concerns over locating some bodies in areas outside its control.

While the agreement signals hope, significant unresolved questions remain—especially regarding Hamas’s disarmament, Gaza’s future governance, the exact timelines for troop withdrawal, and safeguards against renewed hostilities.

Israel insists any long-term truce must include strict guarantees against Hamas rearming.

Hamas, meanwhile, has insisted on its ongoing role in Palestinian affairs and has sought further clarifications before fully committing to disarm.

Notably, the plan proposes a temporary transitional administration in Gaza overseen by technocrats, with oversight by a new Board of Peace — a body that would include international actors and be co-chaired by Trump and other figures.

The accord also envisions an influx of humanitarian aid and the start of Gaza reconstruction.

The two sides are expected to officially sign the agreement in Sharm el-Sheikh in the coming hours.

If fully implemented, this truce would represent the most significant diplomatic progress yet in the Gaza war, offering a concrete path toward restoring stability and returning captive citizens home.

The coming days will determine whether momentum holds.