Trump hails Israel-Hamas agreement on first phase of Gaza peace plan amid cautious optimism

United States President Donald Trump announced on 8 October that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on the first phase of his Gaza peace plan, paving the way for the release of all remaining hostages and a partial Israeli troop withdrawal from northern Gaza. 

The deal, brokered through US-led negotiations with mediators in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh, also facilitates increased humanitarian aid into the enclave, marking a potential breakthrough after two years of conflict that has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives and displaced millions.

Trump hailed it on Truth Social as a "strong, durable, and everlasting peace," crediting Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a "sacred mission" to free hostages, with cabinet approval slated for 9 October.

Hamas confirmed submission of a prisoner list for exchange, but reports of fresh Israeli strikes in Gaza City underscore fragile trust, with UN chief António Guterres urging full adherence.

Trump's announcement and key terms

Trump's Truth Social post, timestamped late on 8 October, stated: "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan."

The framework, a 20-point proposal released last week, envisions a phased ceasefire: Phase One includes Hamas releasing all 20 living hostages (and bodies of the deceased) in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and Israeli forces redeploying to the "Yellow Line," ceding 70% of Gaza while retaining border presence.

Aid corridors would reopen immediately, with a 72-hour countdown starting post-cabinet approval for hostage handover by 13 October.

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari confirmed: "An agreement was reached on all terms... leading to ending the war, releasing Israeli detainees and Palestinian prisoners, and allowing aid."

Talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, resuming after Hamas's positive response to Trump's outline, bridged gaps on sequencing, though details on Phase Two—Hamas disarmament and international trusteeship—remain unresolved.

On X, Trump's post garnered 2 million views, with users posting celebratory images of handshakes amid rubble. 

Netanyahu's endorsement and cabinet vote

Netanyahu, addressing reporters in Jerusalem, thanked Trump: "With God's help, we will bring them all home."

The security cabinet meets on 9 October at 5 pm local time, followed by full government approval at 6 pm, after which IDF redeployment begins within 24 hours.

The IDF welcomed the hostage return but instructed troops to "prepare strong defences" for contingencies.

Celebrations erupted in Tel Aviv, with families hugging and toasting, while in Gaza, gunfire and tears marked cautious hope. Yet, hours before the announcement, Israeli strikes hit Gaza City, killing 12, prompting Hamas warnings against "evasion."

Netanyahu invited Trump to address the Knesset, signalling a potential Sunday visit.

Mediators' role and humanitarian focus

Qatar, Egypt and Turkey played pivotal roles, unifying Arab allies behind Trump's plan despite Iran's sidelining.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi hosted the Sharm talks, where Hamas submitted its prisoner list via the Prisoners' Media Office.

The Gaza Government Media Office advised caution during movements, citing risks on main roads.

Aid provisions are central: Unlimited entry via Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, with UN vehicles facilitating distribution. Guterres stressed: "The stakes have never been higher—abide fully by its terms."

On X, aid workers posted timelines, one noting: "Hostages out, aid in—Phase One could save thousands." 

Political reactions in US

Republican leaders praised Trump: Senate Majority Leader John Thune voiced optimism but scepticism on Hamas' motives; Lindsey Graham demanded complete disarmament.

Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker called it a "hope for lasting peace."

Democrats, like Maxine Waters, welcomed the step but urged Phase Two progress on governance.

Trump, during a White House Antifa roundtable, received a note on the deal from Secretary Marco Rubio, beaming: "It's a great day."

Critics like Max Boot credited Trump but warned: "Don't take a victory lap—reconstruction awaits."

Hamas's statement and Palestinian response

Hamas's statement affirmed: "Responsible negotiations led to this agreement," listing 1,950 prisoners for release, excluding Nukhba commanders. It called on guarantors to enforce compliance, vowing no ceremonies for hostage handover.  

In Gaza, celebratory gunfire echoed, with families in tents weeping in relief.

Analyst Marwan Bishara noted "serious disagreements" on withdrawal extent and post-war administration.

On X, Palestinians posted: "Phase One: Hope amid rubble—don't let it crumble." 

Implications and challenges

The deal, on the war's second anniversary, could end hostilities but hinges on Phase Two: Hamas disarmament, international trusteeship and reconstruction funding.  

Experts like David Satterfield warn: "True peace needs more—stabilisation and governance."  

Iran is cautious, and West Bank tensions loom large.