American President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of his Gaza peace plan, raising hopes for a de-escalation of violence and a breakthrough in the Middle East. 

Posting the news on social media and highlighted in a Fox News graphic, Trump said: “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.” 

In a statement Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said: “"A great day for Israel. I will convene the government tomorrow in order to approve the agreement, and return all our dear hostages home...I thank the heroic soldiers of the IDF and the entire security apparatus, whose bravery and sacrifice brought us to this day...I thank, from the bottom of my heart, President Trump and his team for their mobilization for the sacred task of releasing our hostages.”

Hamas reportedly welcomed the deal saying: “[the deal] is the fruit of the tremendous sacrifices and the legendary patience of our people, as well as the strength and steadfastness of the resistance.”

The Common Sense was told of celebrations in the streets of Gaza.

The announcement comes after months of bitter conflict and failed ceasefire efforts in the region. 

According to Trump, the plan’s initial phase is set to see the swift release of all hostages currently held by Hamas, a point of deep tension and heartbreak throughout the conflict. In return, Israeli forces will reportedly pull back to a pre-agreed line, opening the way for further dialogue and confidence-building measures between the parties. 

Breakthrough

Trump described the breakthrough as a victory for diplomacy, stating: “All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America.” 

He offered gratitude to international mediators, saying: “we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!” 

Trump previously announced that the peace plan would extend to disarming Hamas, installing a new governing structure in Gaza, and rebuilding the enclave under the supervision of a board he would chair. 

Regional analysts have noted that previous ceasefire efforts have repeatedly collapsed, but Trump’s direct involvement and the stated backing of key mediators such as Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey may help to maintain momentum this time around. If carried out, the hostage releases alone would represent one of the most significant diplomatic openings in years, providing relief for hostages’ families and potentially reducing the risk of further military escalation. 

Frans Cronje told The Common Sense that: “If the peace deal proceeds according to plan, then between the Abraham Accords secured during his first term in office and the end of the war in Gaza in his second, President Trump will have achieved a great deal towards ushering in a period of relative stability in the Middle East.” 

For now, all sides, and the international community, await further official comment and, crucially, concrete steps toward the promised release and drawdown.