Trump: Hamas and Israel Reach Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza; Hostages to Be Released Soon

Kokcha News Agency – In a historic development, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Hamas and Israel have signed the first phase of a peace plan, leading to a ceasefire in Gaza and the imminent release of hostages. The announcement came after intense negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

Trump proudly stated, “I am honored to announce that both Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of our peace plan. This means that all hostages will soon be released, and Israel will withdraw its forces to agreed-upon lines as the first steps toward a strong, lasting, and permanent peace. All parties will be treated fairly.”

The U.S. President described the agreement as a “great day for the Arab and Islamic world, Israel, all neighboring countries, and the United States of America.” He also thanked the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their efforts in facilitating this “historic and unprecedented event,” adding, “Blessed are the peacemakers!”

In an interview with Reuters, Trump called the agreement a “great day for the world,” emphasizing that “the entire world has come together, Israel and all countries have come together. Today is an extraordinary day, a great day for the world.”

According to CNN, Trump spoke with senior advisors Steve Mnuchin and Jared Kushner before making the announcement. A senior White House official told CNN that the U.S. government believes the release of hostages will begin on Monday, though the process could be expedited.

The official outlined the first steps of the agreement: the Israeli cabinet will vote on the deal on Friday, and if approved, Israel will withdraw to the agreed-upon lines within 24 hours. A 72-hour window will then begin, during which Hamas will attempt to release the hostages as quickly as possible. Israeli sources expect the hostages to be released by Saturday or Sunday.

Meanwhile, Axios reported that a U.S. official claimed, “The war in Gaza is over,” adding that the hostages will be released 72 hours after the Israeli cabinet approves the agreement, which is expected to happen within the next day.

The White House also shared a video on Twitter, stating that all Israeli hostages will be released “very soon.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump hinted that he might travel to the Middle East as early as Sunday, given the progress in negotiations to end the Gaza war. He praised the U.S. negotiating team but acknowledged that the other side also has skilled negotiators.

The U.S. President’s 20-point peace plan, unveiled on September 29, 2025, aims to end the war in Gaza and rebuild the region. However, the plan has faced significant criticism from Palestinian groups, human rights organizations, and Western analysts.

Hamas responded to Trump’s proposal on October 3, 2025, agreeing to a complete ceasefire, a prisoner exchange, and independent governance of Gaza, while also calling for a collective review of issues related to Gaza’s future and Palestinian national rights.

Trump welcomed Hamas’s response, stating, “Based on the statement Hamas just released, I believe they are ready for lasting peace. Israel must immediately stop bombing Gaza so we can quickly and safely release the hostages!”

Indirect negotiations between Palestinian and Israeli delegations began on October 6, 2025, in Sharm El-Sheikh, with U.S. envoys Steve Mnuchin and Jared Kushner participating.

Israel, with U.S. support, has been waging a devastating war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in over 66,000 Palestinian deaths, massive destruction, and a dire humanitarian crisis. Despite international condemnation and UN resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire, Israel has continued its genocidal campaign against the people of Gaza.