United State President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of his Gaza peace proposal, involving the release of all remaining hostages and a partial Israeli troop withdrawal from northern Gaza.
Trump in an announcement stated: ” 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.
“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, and 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!”
The deal, resulting from U.S.-led negotiations with mediators in Egypt, also enables increased humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed it as a diplomatic success, with his cabinet scheduled to approve it on Wednesday.
Netanyahu in a statement wrote: “With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our 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. Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point.
I thank President Trump for his leadership, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages. God Bless Israel. God Bless America. God Bless our great alliance”
Welcoming the development is the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising Trump for his peace keeping effort: “We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu.
“We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace.” He added