US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had accepted the first phase of his Gaza peace plan. The plan calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of captives.

Trump shared the news on Truth Social, calling it a major breakthrough in the Cairo talks. He wrote, “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan.” He added, “ALL the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed-upon line.”

Qatar Confirms the Agreement

Qatar confirmed that both sides had agreed on the first phase of the plan. Majed al-Ansari, the spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, posted on X, “The mediators announce that tonight an agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid. The details will be announced later.”

Trump Plans to Visit the Middle East

Earlier in the day, Trump said that talks were going “very well.” He also said he might visit the Middle East soon. “I may go there sometime toward the end of the week, maybe on Sunday,” he told reporters at the White House.

Negotiations continued in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, for the third day. Senior officials from Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and the United States attended the meeting. Mediators pushed both sides to settle their differences over Trump’s 20-point peace proposal.

According to Al Jazeera, the first phase includes a ceasefire and the release of 48 Israeli captives from Gaza. Around 20 of them are believed to be alive. In exchange, Israel will free Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has already submitted the list of prisoners it wants released.

Netanyahu to Seek Cabinet Approval

After Trump’s announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would call a cabinet meeting on Thursday to approve the deal. He called it “a great day for Israel.” He said Israel could now work toward its goals and expand peace with neighboring countries.

Israeli law requires government approval before releasing Palestinian prisoners. After that, there is a short period for petitions to be filed with Israel’s High Court of Justice. The releases can happen only after the court process is complete.

Netanyahu’s office said he had a “very warm and emotional” conversation with Trump. The prime minister thanked Trump for his mediation efforts and invited him to address the Knesset. Trump congratulated Netanyahu for his “leadership and actions.”

Growing Hopes for Peace

The Gaza conflict has caused heavy casualties and widespread destruction. Trump’s peace plan aims to end the fighting and free the hostages. The agreement in Cairo marks the first major step toward a lasting ceasefire.