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Trump says Israel, Hamas agree to first phase of Gaza peace plan

09.10.2025 09:30
U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel and Hamas agreed to implement the first stage of his Gaza peace plan, including a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchanges, after indirect talks in Egypt. Both sides confirmed core terms.
Trump framed the agreement as fair to all parties and a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, all surrounding nations, and the United States.
Trump framed the agreement as fair to “all parties” and “a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, all surrounding nations, and the United States.”Photo: EPA/FRANCIS CHUNG

Trump announced on Thursday that Israel and Hamas had “signed off” on the opening phase of his 21-point plan unveiled in late September. In a post on Truth Social, he called it a “historic” breakthrough and said regional allies Qatar, Egypt and Turkey helped broker the deal.

The first phase calls for an immediate halt to hostilities and the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, Trump said.

He added that Israeli forces would withdraw to an agreed line as part of initial steps toward a “strong, durable, and everlasting peace.”

Israel and Hamas separately confirmed key elements. Hamas is to release all 20 living hostages in the coming days and return the bodies of 28 others, while the Israeli military will begin withdrawing from most of Gaza, immediately stop strikes and “prepare the climate” for expanded humanitarian aid across the enclave, according to the outlines described.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a “national and moral victory” and a “diplomatic success,” saying, “With God’s help we will bring them all home.”

He said Israel would not rest until all hostages return and its goals are achieved, crediting “powerful military action” and cooperation with Trump for reaching a “critical turning point.”

Hamas urged Trump and mediators to ensure Israel implements the deal “without disavowal or delay,” saying it requires troop withdrawal, aid entry and prisoner-for-hostage exchanges.

Earlier this week, the group said it would not free remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and guarantees the war would not resume; it was unclear whether Israel had provided such assurances.

It was also unclear from Trump’s announcement how the parties would tackle contentious later steps in the plan, including Hamas disarmament — which the group has repeatedly rejected — and the appointment of a foreign provisional administration in Gaza.

Trump framed the agreement as fair to “all parties” and “a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, all surrounding nations, and the United States.”

The announcement followed a third day of indirect talks between Israeli and Hamas negotiators in Egypt.

(jh)

Source: Polskie Radio 24, PAP, Euronews