Two days after the ignited conflict between Israel and Hamas reached its second anniversary, the two sides have finally agreed to a US-backed peace plan, a move that could mark the beginning of the end to the violence in Gaza.
US President Donald Trump proudly announced on social media this Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of the US Peace Plan.
It can be recalled that the plan was previously publicized by Trump at a joint briefing in White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The approved phase included a hostage-prisoner exchange and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
This deal, reached through indirect talks in Egypt, when delegations from both parties, along with mediators from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, took part after Hamas partially agreed.
Trump hailed the truce as a “historic step toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace,” assuring that both Israel and Hamas would be treated fairly.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Trump, calling the deal a diplomatic success and a victory for Israel.
Hamas, meanwhile, described the truce as the beginning of reaching peace toward the Palestinian people, while urging international guarantors to ensure compliance.
According to the Associated Press, Hamas is expected to release 20 living hostages this weekend, although recovering remains of deceased captives may take longer.
Israel, on the other hand, will begin withdrawing most of its forces from Gaza.
The next phase of the peace plan will focus on Gaza’s post-war administration under an international body led by the US.