Donald Trump introduced a major diplomatic milestone Wednesday (October 8) as Israel and Hamas signed off on the preliminary section of his proposed peace plan, aimed toward halting the devastating battle in Gaza and securing the discharge of hostages.

“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump posted on Truth Social, calling it “a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America.”

The settlement includes the discharge of all remaining hostages held in Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces to pre-agreed positions. Trump mentioned “ALL of the Hostages” could be freed “very soon” as a part of what he described as “first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the deal and praised Trump’s function in reaching it. “Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home,” Netanyahu wrote on social media. “Thank you, President Trump, from the depths of my heart.”

Hamas issued an announcement acknowledging the deal, crediting “responsible and serious negotiations between the movement and the Palestinian resistance factions.”

The group urged Trump and worldwide mediators to “compel the [Israeli] government to fully implement the agreement’s requirements.”

According to Trump’s 20-point plan, the deal requires the discharge of 48 hostages — 20 of whom Israel believes are nonetheless alive — in trade for 1,950 Palestinian prisoners.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum responded with cautious optimism, saying the households acquired the information “with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and concern.”

The announcement got here on the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, assaults, when Hamas militants killed 1,200 folks and captured 251 hostages.

Israel’s army response has since killed greater than 67,000 Palestinians, in response to Gaza well being officers, and left giant components of the territory in ruins.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the event, stating, “The United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement and will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The stakes have never been higher.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned Trump is “considering going to the Middle East” after visiting troops at Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday.

Despite the settlement, Israeli army operations in Gaza have continued. Far-right Israeli safety minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly opposed the deal, pushing as an alternative for a complete defeat of Hamas, revealing the political pressure inside Netanyahu’s coalition.

Qatar, a central mediator within the talks, has pushed for worldwide ensures — led by the United States — to make sure Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza and a everlasting finish to hostilities.

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