What Does the First Phase of Gaza Peace Plan Entail?

PALESTINE – On Wednesday, Donald Trump announced that Hamas and Israel had signed off on the first phase of Gaza peace plan, describing it as a “great day,” but what does it entail?

“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,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

All parties will be “treated fairly,” he added.

Trump thanked all the mediators, including Türkiye, “who worked with us to make this historic and unprecedented event happen.”

“Blessed are the peacemakers,” he said.

Trump to Visit Israel

US President Donald Trump is set to visit Israel in the “coming days” and could address the Knesset, according to a report, following a ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.

“They want me to give a speech at the Knesset and I will definitely do that if they want me to,” Trump told Axios’ Barak Ravid on the US social media company X’s platform.

“It is a great day for Israel and for the world. My call with Bibi was great. He is so happy. He should be. It is a great achievement. The whole world has come together to reach this deal, including countries that were enemies,” he said, after his phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli Hostages to be Released on Monday

Hostages held by the Palestinian group Hamas are expected to begin being released on Monday following the Israeli Cabinet’s approval of a US-proposed Gaza peace plan, according to a White House official.

“The deal goes to the Israeli Cabinet tomorrow (Thursday). Once they vote yes, Israel has to withdraw to the line, which should take under 24 hours. Then the 72-hour clock begins, and Hamas will try to go earlier if possible. Our assessment is that hostages will begin getting released on Monday,” the official said – speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Around 20 Israeli captives are set to be released first, with the remains of the deceased phased out.

Donald Trump said that the Palestinian group Hamas will release all Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 13.

Trump spoke with the families of Israeli hostages in a phone call, following the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The relatives of the hostages expressed their gratitude to Trump for his efforts in reaching the agreement.

During the call, Trump said that all Israeli hostages would be released on Monday.

However, Trump did not specify whether the release would include the bodies of deceased hostages.

Hamas Submits List of Palestinian Prisoners for Release

The Palestinian group Hamas said Thursday that it has submitted a list of Palestinians that it wishes Israel to release after both sides signed off on the first phase of a US-proposed Gaza ceasefire deal.

In a statement on Telegram, it said the Palestinians would be released through a prisoner exchange, in line with the agreed-upon criteria in the ceasefire agreement.

The statement added that Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails are one of Hamas’ top priorities, and efforts will continue “until the last Palestinian prisoner is freed.”

In an earlier statement, Hamas announced that it has agreed to the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, appreciating his efforts along with those of Türkiye, Qatar and Egypt.

“Hamas announces that an agreement has been reached providing for an end to the war on Gaza, the withdrawal of the occupiers, the entry of humanitarian aid, and a prisoner exchange,” it said.

Around 1,950 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released.

Israeli Government to Convene to Approve the Gaza Peace Plan

Benjamin Netanyahu said he will convene the government on Thursday to approve an agreement reached on Gaza.

“A great day for Israel,” Netanyahu said on the US social media company X’s platform.

His remarks came right after US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas have signed off on the first phase of a US-proposed Gaza deal.

Netanyahu thanked Trump and his team for their “dedication to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages.”

“With God’s help, together we will continue to achieve all our goals and expand peace with our neighbors,” he added.

He later said that with the approval of the first phase of the plan, all Israeli hostages will be brought home.

“This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel. From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals are achieved,” he said.

Netanyahu said that thanks to the “great efforts” of Trump, this “critical turning point” was reached.

“I thank President Trump for his leadership, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages,” he added.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, for his part, thanked Netanyahu and Trump for the deal.

Katz also thanked the “heroic” Israeli soldiers.

“I warmly embrace the families of the hostages for the anticipated return of their loved ones, including IDF soldiers and fallen heroes, home soon.”

The Israeli army said in a statement that it welcomes “the signing of the agreement for the return of the hostages” which took place overnight.

“During a situational assessment held overnight, the Chief of the General Staff instructed all forces, both on the front lines and in the rear areas, to prepare strong defenses and be ready for any scenario,” it said in a statement shared on X.

The statement added that the Chief of the General Staff ordered preparations to take charge of the operation to bring back the hostages, which is anticipated to be “conducted with sensitivity and professionalism.”

The Israeli army “will continue to act to achieve the objectives of the war and to defend the citizens of the State of Israel on all fronts.”

Gaza Ceasefire Deal to Take Effect Thursday

The Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas will take effect immediately following an official signing ceremony at noon local time (0900GMT) in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh on Thursday, according to Israeli media.

The Israeli Channel 14 said that an official signing ceremony will take place, and the process of exchange of prisoners between the two sides will start in 72 hours following the ceremony.

Israel’s Security Cabinet will convene at 5 pm local time (1400GMT) on Thursday to approve a ceasefire deal that was reached with Hamas, the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported.