Trump says Israel, Hamas have agreed to 'first phase' of his peace plan

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the "first phase” of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners, in a major breakthrough in the two-year-old war.

"This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump wrote on social media.

Hamas will release all 20 living hostages in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza.

Palestinian women walk near rubble, after US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, on Thursday. Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media, "With God’s help we will bring them all home.”

Hamas said separately that the deal would ensure the withdrawal of Israeli troops as well as allow for the entry of aid and exchange of hostages and prisoners.

Associated Press