Israel, Hamas sign deal for Gaza ceasefire and hostage release

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan that will see the release of all hostages and a withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed line in Gaza.

This marks the most significant step yet towards ending the two-year-long war.

US President Donald Trump announced the development in a late Wednesday post.

The White House had unveiled the 20-point roadmap for peace in Gaza as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to meet with Trump in Washington last week.

The plan included an immediate end to military operations and the release of all hostages within 72 hours.

“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump said.

He added that all parties will be treated fairly.

Trump said as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal, hostages will likely be released on Monday.

The president also said his administration is “forming a council of peace” to maintain a lasting end to the conflict in the region.

The 20-point plan he had previously released called for a “Board of Peace” made up of international leaders that would ensure Hamas has no governing role in Gaza.

Instead, the enclave would be governed by a “technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee” and a “board of peace” .

But in announcing the deal on Truth Social, Trump did not mention future Gaza governance issues.

Hamas said it has provided Israel lists of Palestinian prisoners to be released as part of the ceasefire agreement.

Global leaders such as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer; Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney; Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Winston Peters, New Zealand’s foreign minister, have welcomed the deal.

But optimism remains cautious.

Previous ceasefire efforts have often gained momentum only to collapse midway.

So far, Israel has demanded Hamas give up arms, which Hamas has so far refused to discuss.

Hamas has also asked for a clear timeline for Israeli withdrawal and guarantees of a complete pullout by Israeli forces.

Though Israel has dialled down its military campaign in Gaza at Trump’s behest, it has not halted strikes altogether.

In terms of future Gaza governance, Hamas has rejected talks of foreign rule.

Yet, analysts say the comprehensive and structured nature of Trump’s Gaza peace plan sets the stage for what could be the most significant breakthrough in years.