In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of a ceasefire plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, pledging to move forward with a peace process aimed at ending the Gaza conflict.
On Wednesday night (October 8), Trump announced the development on his social media platform Truth Social, saying:
“I am proud to announce that both Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of our proposed peace plan. Very soon, all hostages will be released, and Israel will withdraw its troops from Gaza.”
Following the announcement, celebrations erupted in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, where jubilant Palestinians took to the streets. One of the key mediators of the conflict, Qatar, also confirmed the signing of the ceasefire agreement.
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Tonight, an agreement has been signed to implement all the terms of the first phase of the new peace plan for Gaza. This deal will bring an end to the war, ensure the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and allow unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
He added that the detailed provisions of the deal will be announced later.
Earlier, on September 29, Trump unveiled his new ceasefire plan for Gaza at the White House, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu standing beside him.
Subsequently, on October 3, Hamas agreed to the proposal, and the next day, October 4, Trump instructed Israel to halt airstrikes on Gaza.
On October 6, representatives from the U.S., Israel, Hamas, Egypt, and Qatar convened in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to finalize the details of the peace deal.
After more than two days of intensive negotiations, Israel and Hamas signed the ceasefire agreement, pledging to implement the initial phase of Trump’s peace plan.
Prior to the signing, Trump hinted at positive progress while speaking to reporters at the White House:
“The talks are going very well. This is great progress. I might travel to the Middle East later this week—possibly on Sunday.”
Sources: AFP and Al Jazeera.