The US President has stated that West Jerusalem and the militant group have reached an agreement on the initial stages of his Gaza peace initiative.
US President Donald Trump declared that Israel and Hamas have achieved a significant advancement in their discussions concerning the inaugural phase of a Gaza peace strategy.
Last month, the White House unveiled a comprehensive 20-point peace proposal aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict, advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities, an exchange of captives for prisoners, the demilitarization of Hamas, and the pullout of Israeli troops from the Palestinian territory.
On Wednesday, in a post on Truth Social, Trump indicated that the militant group has given its assent to free all Israeli hostages, while Israel has committed to pulling its forces from Gaza “to an agreed upon line.”
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” the US president stated, describing these agreements as the “initial actions towards a strong, durable and everlasting peace.”
He expressed gratitude to mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye for their involvement in the discussions. The indirect talks between Israel and Hamas have been proceeding in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, since Monday.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump mentioned he is contemplating a journey to the Middle East in the upcoming days.
“I may go there sometime toward the end of the week, maybe on Sunday, actually,” he remarked during a White House gathering, further noting that the discussions have been “progressing quite smoothly.”
The October 7, 2023, assault by Hamas on Israel resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of over 250 individuals. The ensuing Israeli military campaign in Gaza has claimed the lives of more than 67,000 Palestinians, based on current data from the local Hamas-administered health officials.
Israeli media reports indicate that roughly 20 of the 48 captives still held are thought to be alive.