SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt / PNN/
Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement to end the war in Gaza, according to multiple international news agencies. The deal, announced late Wednesday in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh, includes a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the entry of humanitarian aid, and a prisoner exchange.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the development in a post on his platform, Truth Social, saying the parties had signed the first phase of his “Comprehensive Peace Plan.”
“I am pleased to announce that Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of our peace plan,” Trump wrote. “This means all hostages will soon be released, and Israel will withdraw its forces to an agreed line as a first step toward a strong and lasting peace.”
Trump described the agreement as “a great day for the Arab and Islamic worlds, for Israel, for all neighbouring nations, and for the United States,” adding that “all sides will be treated fairly.” He thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for helping to achieve what he called a “historic and unprecedented event,” adding, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
The Qatari Foreign Ministry confirmed that all terms and mechanisms for implementing the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza had been agreed upon. The deal, it said, aims to halt the war, facilitate the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid into the enclave.
Hamas, in a formal statement, said it had engaged in “serious and responsible negotiations” with other Palestinian factions regarding Trump’s proposal, with the goal of ending what it described as “the war of extermination against our people.”
“We announce that we have reached an agreement to end the war on Gaza, ensure the withdrawal of the occupation forces, allow the entry of humanitarian aid, and carry out a prisoner exchange,” the statement read.
The movement expressed “deep appreciation” to mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and also acknowledged Trump’s efforts to bring about a complete end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas called on Trump, the guarantor states, and the international community to “ensure Israel fully implements the agreement and does not evade or delay its commitments.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he spoke with Trump early Thursday morning.
“The conversation was warm and emotional,” the statement said, adding that both leaders congratulated each other on the “historic achievement” of the agreement to release all hostages.
Netanyahu thanked Trump for his “leadership and global efforts,” while Trump congratulated Netanyahu for his “firm leadership and decisive actions.” The two leaders, according to Netanyahu’s office, agreed to maintain close coordination moving forward.
The statement also said Netanyahu invited Trump to address the Israeli Knesset. U.S. sources later confirmed that Trump plans to visit Israel on Sunday and deliver a speech before parliament.
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