Israel and Hamas Greenlight Phase One of Trump's Gaza Peace Plan

Pres. Trump meets with Middle-Eastern leaders. Source: WaPo

JERUSALEM — In a landmark development amid nearly two years of conflict, Israel and Hamas have finalized plans to launch the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed peace deal for Gaza, Al Jazeera reports. The agreement, hailed by Trump as a "total victory for peace," paves the way for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, marking the most significant de-escalation since the war erupted in October 2023.

Israel's security cabinet unanimously ratified the outline late Tuesday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stating it "clears the path for suspending hostilities within 24 hours." Under phase one, Israeli forces will partially withdraw from northern Gaza, allowing humanitarian aid corridors to reopen. In exchange, Hamas commits to freeing 20 living Israeli hostages—primarily women, children, and elderly—over the next 72 hours, alongside the return of deceased captives' remains.

Hamas leaders in Doha described the deal as securing "guarantees for an eventual end to the war," emphasizing U.S. assurances against renewed Israeli offensives. Trump, speaking from the White House, credited his administration's "tough negotiations" for bridging divides, adding, "This is just the beginning—phase two will rebuild Gaza like never before."

Implementation hinges on verification mechanisms overseen by Qatar and Egypt, with UN monitors on standby. Aid agencies warn of logistical hurdles but remain optimistic. "For the first time, we see light at the end of the tunnel," said a Red Cross spokesperson.

Recently, the UOJ conducted an interview with a spokesman for the activist group Orthodox Christians for Palestine.

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