Translated with AI
Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on the first phase of a peace plan, which calls for a cessation of hostilities, the release of all hostages, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed-upon line. This was announced by US President Donald Trump on Thursday night, and confirmed by both sides.
The talks took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with the mediation of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. The first phase of the agreement includes a hostage and prisoner exchange, as well as humanitarian measures. Hamas pledged to promptly release all living hostages—the latest figures put their number at 20—and Israel committed to withdrawing its forces to the agreed-upon line. The plan also provides for expanded access for humanitarian organizations to the Gaza Strip, under the supervision of international bodies, including the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
US President Donald Trump noted on his social media account, Truth: "All hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its forces to the agreed-upon line. This is the first step toward a lasting and lasting peace. A great day for the Arab and Muslim world, for Israel and the United States. Thank you to the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey who made this possible. Blessed are the peacemakers."
Representatives from the United States, Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey were present in Sharm el-Sheikh. The talks were held behind closed doors, with the participation of national security advisers and special representatives for the Middle East. Qatar and Egypt acted as the primary intermediaries between the parties, coordinating the presentation of proposals and agreeing on the terms of the exchange.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he would convene the government to approve the agreement as early as October 9. He called the agreements reached "a national and moral victory for Israel" and expressed gratitude to the US President. "I thank the heroic IDF soldiers and security forces whose courage and sacrifice allowed us to reach this day. I thank President Trump and his team from the bottom of my heart for their dedication to the mission of freeing our hostages," Netanyahu said.
Hamas confirmed the agreements reached and expressed gratitude to Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their mediation. The movement's statement emphasized that the hostage release process will take place under international supervision, and that Hamas does not renounce the national rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to independence.
Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey confirmed their readiness to facilitate the agreement's implementation and oversee its implementation. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that mediators will continue working on the mechanism for the next stage of negotiations after the exchange is completed. Egypt announced the dispatch of a humanitarian mission and specialists to monitor the ceasefire, as well as plans to increase the capacity of the Rafa border crossing.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas, calling it "an important step toward ending the suffering of civilians." UN representatives stand ready to support the full implementation of the agreement and increase humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The World Food Programme is also prepared to increase supplies of food, fuel, and medicine, provided humanitarian convoys have safe access.
The European Union, the United Kingdom, and France issued statements supporting the agreements reached, noting the need for their immediate implementation under international supervision. The Arab League called on the parties to adhere to the agreement and "avoid actions that could derail the process."
