Israel and Hamas have finalised the first phase of a ceasefire agreement aimed at halting hostilities in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages, marking a significant step toward ending the two-year conflict.
Gatekeepers News reports that the development was announced late Wednesday by U.S. President Donald Trump, who revealed that both parties had endorsed the initial phase of his administration’s 20-point peace roadmap.
The plan outlines a 72-hour window for an immediate cessation of military actions and the release of hostages, followed by a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces to predetermined positions inside Gaza.
Trump said via Truth Social, “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our Peace Plan”, emphasising that all parties will be treated fairly.
He further disclosed that the hostage release is expected to commence on Monday, while his administration is establishing a “Council of Peace” to oversee the process and ensure long-term stability in the region.
The White House’s peace framework, unveiled ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington last week, envisions a “Board of Peace” composed of international leaders to supervise post-conflict recovery. Under the proposal, Gaza would be administered by a technocratic, non-political Palestinian committee, with Hamas excluded from governance.
Although Trump’s latest announcement did not elaborate on Gaza’s future administration, Hamas confirmed that it has submitted lists of Palestinian prisoners to be freed in exchange for hostages.
World leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters, have welcomed the accord, describing it as a promising step toward lasting peace.
