A historic breakthrough but with fragile foundations

In a dramatic late-night announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, marking what could be the most significant diplomatic development in the region in years.

The deal, part of a broader 20-point peace framework unveiled by Trump last week, promises an immediate halt to hostilities, the release of all captives, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

Trump’s announcement, made on Truth Social at 23:17 GMT on Wednesday, represents the first tangible progress in his months-long effort to end the war, which has claimed more than 67,000 lives in Gaza since 2023.

“Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of the peace plan,” Trump wrote. “All captives will be released very soon. Israel will withdraw troops to an agreed line. This will be the first step toward a strong and durable peace.”

He also thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye for facilitating the talks.

How the deal took shape

The first hints of a breakthrough came during a White House roundtable event on Wednesday, when Secretary of State Marco Rubio passed a handwritten note to Trump. According to photographs taken by reporters, the note urged the president to approve a Truth Social post so he could be the first to announce the agreement.

Shortly after reading it, Trump told attendees, “I was just given a note by the secretary of state saying we’re very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they’re going to need me pretty quickly.”

Within hours, the official announcement followed. Trump, who has made resolving the Gaza conflict a cornerstone of his foreign policy, said he is prepared to travel to the Middle East this weekend to oversee the next steps.

What’s in the first phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan

The initial phase of Trump’s 20-point framework includes:

• A complete ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
• The release of all captives, including Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
• An Israeli troop withdrawal to a pre-agreed line inside Gaza.
• Facilitated humanitarian aid entry under international supervision.
• Assurances of fairness and “equal treatment” for both sides, according to Trump.

Hamas confirmed that the agreement includes “an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation’s withdrawal, entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the deal, calling it “a great day for Israel” and expressing gratitude to Trump for “his dedication to this sacred mission.”

What remains unclear

Despite the optimism, analysts caution that major uncertainties remain.

Al Jazeera’s senior analyst Marwan Bishara noted that while both sides have agreed to initial terms, key disputes — such as the extent of Israeli withdrawal, timing of prisoner releases, and the post-war governance of Gaza are unresolved.

“You could say that the initial phase of the initial phase is working out,” Bishara said. “After Hamas hands over the captives, the war should be over, according to the Trump plan. But Israel says the war will end only after Hamas disarms.”

This disagreement between disarmament first (Israel’s position) and withdrawal first (Hamas’s demand) could determine whether the deal holds or unravels.

Timeline for the next steps

Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity that the release of captives could begin as early as Monday, with Israel’s withdrawal expected to start within 72 hours of cabinet approval.

Israeli officials confirmed that Prime Minister Netanyahu will bring the deal to his cabinet on Thursday for formal ratification. Once approved, troops will begin repositioning.

A Hamas source said the group is ready to release surviving captives within three days of Israel’s withdrawal, including returning the remains of those who died in captivity.

Regional and global reactions

The announcement drew cautious praise from world leaders:

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended the diplomatic efforts of the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, calling the deal a “desperately needed breakthrough.”
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged both sides to “implement the first stage in full without delay.”
• India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed hope that the release of hostages and humanitarian aid would “pave the way for lasting peace.”
• New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters called it an “essential first step,” emphasizing that “Hamas must release all hostages and Israel must withdraw troops as agreed.”

Scenes of hope and hesitation in Gaza

In Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum reported scenes of cautious celebration as news spread.

“Families cheered when they heard the ceasefire news after two years of devastation,” Abu Azzoum said. “People are desperately waiting to reunite with loved ones and to have a moment to mourn what they have lost.”

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However, he warned that no ceasefire has yet taken effect, and many areas remain designated as “active red zones.” Civilians are being urged not to return home until safety is confirmed.

The next phase: Who will govern Gaza?

Trump’s peace plan envisions the creation of a “Board of Peace” an international administrative body that will oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and governance.

Trump is expected to chair the board, alongside leaders such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and representatives from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar.

The board will be responsible for ensuring security, reconstruction, and political transition in the territory, though its exact powers and duration remain undefined.

What comes next

• Thursday: Israeli cabinet vote on the ceasefire.
• Weekend: Trump expected to travel to Egypt and possibly Israel to address the Knesset.
• Next week: Possible start of prisoner and captive releases.

Experts like H.A. Hellyer of the Royal United Services Institute warn that the durability of the ceasefire will depend on sustained international pressure.

“The crucial point now is how much pressure will remain, especially on Israel, to ensure the ceasefire holds,” Hellyer said.

The coming days will reveal whether this marks a genuine turning point or merely a temporary pause in a war that has shattered Gaza and reshaped global politics.

TL;DR

Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire as part of his 20-point Gaza peace plan. The deal includes releasing captives, withdrawing Israeli troops, and allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza. Both sides hailed the agreement, but key details, especially over Hamas’s disarmament and Gaza’s future governanc,e remain uncertain.