President Donald Trump announced that Israel is initiating the first phase of withdrawal as part of a peace initiative aimed at resolving the longstanding conflict in Gaza. Trump stated on Truth Social that Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, pending confirmation from Hamas for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, and the start of a Prisoner Exchange program leading to further withdrawal stages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism about the imminent release of hostages from Gaza.
Late on Saturday, Netanyahu disclosed that he dispatched a delegation to Egypt to finalize technical details, aiming to conclude negotiations within a few days. However, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a key demand by Hamas for a ceasefire, may not occur as Israel plans to retain control over certain territories and disarm Hamas in the subsequent phase.
Following Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in 22 deaths, Trump intervened, urging Israel to cease bombing Gaza. Hamas committed to releasing all surviving Israeli captives and engaging in discussions on Trump’s 20-point peace proposal through intermediaries, which includes the release of the remaining 48 captives within three days.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7, 2023, after terror attacks by Hamas at a music festival, claimed 1,200 lives and led to the capture of 251 individuals.
