Israel and Hamas Agree to First Phase Under U.S. Mediation.
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the months-long war in Gaza. According to Trump, the agreement includes the release of hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from certain areas, and the opening of humanitarian aid routes into Gaza.
The deal, which comes after weeks of indirect talks, is part of Trump’s proposed 20-point peace plan for the region. Both sides confirmed that negotiations were facilitated by the United States, with Qatar and Egypt also playing mediation roles. However, specific terms regarding Gaza’s long-term governance and Hamas’s disarmament were not included in this first phase.
Analysts say the ceasefire could mark a turning point in the conflict if it is upheld by both parties. However, they warn that mutual distrust and political pressure in Israel and Gaza may threaten the agreement’s success. Further negotiations are expected to address the remaining points of the plan, including reconstruction and future security arrangements.