U.S. President Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have reached the first phase of a Gaza peace deal, marking a potential turning point in the two-year conflict.
The agreement includes the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave.
Israel’s cabinet is expected to meet today to approve the deal, which would trigger an immediate ceasefire, with all remaining hostages expected to be freed by Monday.
Hamas has confirmed the deal but says it has yet to receive Israel’s final list of prisoners to be released.
The breakthrough, brokered in Egypt, has sparked celebrations in both Gaza and Israel, though observers caution that significant details still need to be resolved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a great day for the country, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as a moment of profound relief felt around the world.