Egypt – In a significant development, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The agreement, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, includes the release of all remaining hostages and prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed-upon line. This marks a pivotal step toward a durable and lasting peace in the region.

The deal, brokered in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with the involvement of mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.

The agreement includes a hostage and prisoner exchange, with Hamas set to release all 20 surviving Israeli hostages and the remains of others taken during the October 7, 2023, attack, while Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences. It also provides for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, expected to begin shortly after the agreement’s implementation. Additionally, the deal facilitates the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, addressing severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a “diplomatic success and a national and moral victory,” expressing hope that all hostages would be brought home soon. However, some members of Netanyahu’s coalition have expressed reservations about the deal.

Hamas has indicated a willingness to proceed with the agreement, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive and lasting peace. The full implementation of the peace plan is contingent upon the successful execution of this first phase.

This development offers a glimmer of hope for a region long plagued by conflict, with the international community closely monitoring the situation as the peace process unfolds.