Editor’s Note: This report summarizes the latest developments in President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace initiative, which has led to a historic ceasefire framework between Israel and Hamas.
Trump Announces Breakthrough Gaza Peace Agreement
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of his proposed peace plan, marking what he called “a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.” The agreement, reached in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, includes a full hostage release and an initial Israeli troop withdrawal to a designated “yellow line.” Trump credited mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their cooperation and quoted scripture in his statement: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Historic Step Toward Ending Two Years of War
The deal comes nearly two years after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering a devastating war in Gaza. Under the agreement, Hamas will release all 48 hostages — both living and deceased — in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal and the release of 1,950 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces are expected to pull back to a line covering roughly 51% of Gaza, marking a partial withdrawal rather than a complete exit. According to officials familiar with the process, the first phase of the deal is expected to begin this weekend, with the release of 20 living hostages followed by additional steps to locate and return the remains of 28 deceased captives.
Secretary Rubio Confirms Framework Details
Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press to outline the two-part structure of the agreement. The first phase focuses on the safe release of all hostages and a verified cessation of fighting to allow humanitarian workers and the Red Cross to operate. The second phase, Rubio explained, involves establishing a temporary technocratic Palestinian government in Gaza that excludes Hamas and other terrorist groups. He said the plan has the support of regional powers including Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing that peace will only hold if disarmament and demobilization are fully achieved.
Inside the Negotiations
Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin reported live from Tel Aviv that the deal’s signing was the culmination of weeks of intensive back-channel diplomacy. Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff led the U.S. team, working closely with the Qatari Prime Minister and the head of Turkish intelligence to finalize the framework. A photo released from the negotiation room showed Israel Defense Forces General Nitzan Alon shaking hands with Qatar’s Prime Minister, with Witkoff and Turkish officials nearby. The first phase includes Israel’s withdrawal to the 51% line and an immediate ceasefire, followed by the release of 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences. The official signing ceremony in Sharm el-Sheikh is scheduled for noon local time on Friday, and sources indicate President Trump has been invited by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to attend.
Global Reaction and Cautious Optimism
Leaders from Europe and the Middle East have welcomed the development. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on all sides to implement the deal “without delay,” while French President Emmanuel Macron said the plan presents “an opportunity to advance decisively toward peace.” International organizations have begun preparing for potential aid deliveries and postwar reconstruction, though officials stress that conditions on the ground remain fragile. Families of Israeli hostages expressed relief and gratitude for what they called “a historic breakthrough,” while also urging both sides to ensure the return of all captives, living and deceased.
A Diplomatic First for the Region
Analysts across networks noted that this is the first agreement of its kind involving Hamas, Israel, and multiple Arab states under a single U.S.-brokered framework. Commentators credited Trump’s direct negotiation style and firm deadlines for achieving progress that had eluded previous administrations. Fox News contributor Brit Hume described it as “a very big deal once thought to be impossible,” while Jared Kushner’s return to high-level diplomacy was cited as a major factor in bridging communication between Israel and Arab intermediaries.
Next Steps Toward Lasting Peace
Israeli and Hamas negotiators are expected to finalize the logistics of the hostage transfers within 72 hours. According to Israeli officials, the release will occur in a single phase under Red Cross supervision. Longer-term discussions will focus on disarmament, governance, and economic reconstruction in Gaza under the oversight of an international “Board of Peace” co-chaired by President Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Secretary Rubio cautioned that full stability will take time but affirmed that “the important thing is that there’s a plan, it’s being executed, and everyone has agreed to the parameters of it.”
A Turning Point for U.S. Leadership
The announcement has been widely described as a reaffirmation of American leadership on the world stage. Trump’s team characterized the achievement as proof that “peace through strength” can succeed where diplomacy-by-committee has failed. For many observers, it marks both a humanitarian milestone and a strategic reset in the Middle East — one that could reshape alliances and restore confidence in America’s ability to broker meaningful peace.
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