Trump Announces Signing Of First Phase Of Israel–Hamas Peace Plan: Hostage Release And Troop Pullback Details

President Trump confirmed Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have formally signed off on the first phase of his Gaza peace plan, marking a moment he described as historic. The terms of this initial phase include the imminent release of all hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to a mutually agreed boundary. The announcement came via a Truth Social post, in which Trump confirmed that all hostages would soon be released and Israeli troops would withdraw to an agreed-upon line. “This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America,” Trump wrote, highlighting the international scope of the agreement.Trump praised the role of mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, noting that their collaboration was instrumental in facilitating this unprecedented step. “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!” he added, framing the development as a landmark achievement in Middle East diplomacy. Observers see this as a crucial first step toward stabilizing the region, which has been engulfed in cyclical conflict and humanitarian crises.According to several diplomatic sources, the agreement emerged from ongoing talks held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, involving Israel, Hamas, and US envoys. BREAKING: Hamas will release all the remaining living hostages on Saturday, two sources familiar with the negotiations tell The Times of Israel.The deal will be signed Thursday in Egypt, the sources say. pic.twitter.com/gEC2woN2Zo— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) October 8, 2025 What the Peace Plan EnvisionsThis milestone follows Trump’s September unveiling of a 20-point plan for Gaza, designed to bring an end to years of conflict. The roadmap includes phases on ceasefire, prisoner and hostage exchanges, a partial Israeli pullback, and ultimately a transition to a provisional governance structure in Gaza. In parallel, negotiators have already exchanged prisoner and hostage lists, indicating momentum on both sides. Reports suggest Hamas has submitted names it wishes to release in exchange for Israeli captives. International Stakes and Next StepsTurkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that Trump asked Turkey to engage with Hamas to secure acceptance of the plan. Turkey’s growing role underscores the delicate balance of regional diplomacy. Other nations, including Egypt and Qatar, have acted as key intermediaries in prior ceasefire efforts.Statement now from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “A great day for Israel. Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home.I thank the heroic soldiers of the IDF and all the security forces, thanks to whose… pic.twitter.com/nRiwApvpdE— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 8, 2025 The breakthrough leaves thorny issues unresolved: disarming Hamas, Gaza’s governance, who oversees security, and what happens if either side violates terms. Legal and logistical frameworks will now be tested as stakeholders prepare to implement the deal. Meanwhile, tensions remain high, fighting continues in parts of Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis there persists.Diplomatic watchers caution the first phase is fragile—success hinges on trust, enforcement, and whether both parties stick to the agreed rules. But for now, Trump and his mediators claim a bold step forward in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.