US President Donald Trump announced a 'first phase' peace framework between Israel and Hamas, facilitating the swift release of all hostages. The agreement, brokered by the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, reportedly includes an end to the war, Israeli withdrawal, humanitarian aid, and a prisoner exchange, with Israel's cabinet expected to ratify it Thursday and hostage releases potentially beginning early next week. While signaling a significant de-escalation, critical and complex issues such as Hamas's disarmament and Gaza's future governance remain unresolved, indicating a prolonged and challenging path towards regional stability and reconstruction.
What we're covering • Peace deal: US President Donald Trump said Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a peace framework that will allow for the swift release of all hostages. • Still to be decided: Trump’s announcement did not mention some thorny topics that will need to be resolved, including Hamas’s disarmament and the future governance of the enclave. • Early reaction: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a “diplomatic success and a national and moral victory” for Israel. Hamas said the agreement stipulates “an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation’s withdrawal from it, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange.” • 2-year anniversary: The news came after Israel marked the 2-year anniversary of the unprecedented Hamas attack of October 7 when 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others taken hostage. Israel’s ensuing war has killed more than 67,000 people, most of them women and children. Hamas says it has handed over lists of Palestinian prisoners for release Hamas said that it has provided lists of Palestinian prisoners to be released as part of the Gaza ceasefire plan agreement. Hamas “affirms that it has handed over lists of Palestinian prisoners in accordance with the criteria agreed as part of the arrangement,” senior official Zaher Jabarin said in a statement Thursday morning local time. A final agreement on names was “pending,” Jabarin said. Earlier, another Hamas official, Taher Al Nunu, said Hamas and Israel had already exchanged a list of hostages and prisoners to be released. Meanwhile, the Hamas-controlled Government Media Office in Gaza (GMO) warned Palestinians to “exercise the utmost caution in their movements and travel” following the announcement of the agreement. The GMO warned Palestinians “not to let down their guard until an official, clear, and confirmed announcement is issued by the competent Palestinian authorities.” “This is to guard against any violations, acts of treachery, or targeted actions that the Israeli occupation might carry out at the zero hour,” the office said. UN "will support the full implementation" of Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, secretary general says The United Nations “will support the full implementation of” the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, UN Secretary General António Guterres said in a statement Wednesday evening. The UN “will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza,” Guterres said. Guterres commended “the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough.” Gaza has “long, hard road” ahead despite “great news” of peace deal, CNN analyst says While the news of an agreed-upon peace framework between Israel and Hamas is “great news,” there is still “a long, hard road” ahead for Gaza, according to CNN global affairs analyst Brett McGurk. McGurk, a former Middle East and North Africa coordinator for the US National Security Council, told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that the common consensus in the Middle East right now is that Gaza needs a new beginning after years at war. “And that means reconstruction. It’s going to take years and years and years,” he said. McGurk also noted that the future will be “extremely difficult” as Hamas tries “to cling to power.” In order to maintain peace in the region, he said, the United States will “have to stay engaged here over the coming year and years.” But despite the “long, long road ahead,” McGurk noted that the deal marks a “momentous day,” and applauded those who played a role in making it happen. “There’s not much good news in the world. This is great news. I am trying to hold it together honestly,” he said. Trump says he is likely going to Israel in the coming days US President Donald Trump said Wednesday night that he is likely going to visit Israel in the coming days following his announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a peace framework. Earlier: Trump said that he may travel to the Middle East on Sunday. He did not say which country he might visit. Netanyahu also said he had invited Trump to him to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. Israeli leaders and political figures celebrate news of the agreement Israel’s key political figures and leaders are reacting to the news of an agreement with Hamas, which will bring the release of hostages held in Gaza for the last two years. Here’s what we’re hearing: President Isaac Herzog: “At this moment the heart of Israel beats as one with the hostages and their families. As the prophet Jeremiah wrote: ‘They shall return from the land of the enemy… and children shall return to their borders,’” he wrote on X. Defense Minister Israel Katz: Calling the agreement “a huge blessing,” Katz thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump for “the leadership that led to the agreement,” as well thanking the “heroic” Israel Defense Forces soldiers. “I extend a big hug to the families of the hostages for the expected return home of their loved ones, including IDF soldiers and fallen soldiers,” Katz wrote in an X post, adding the entire nation is “looking forward to it and is excited.” Opposition leader Yair Lapid: “We are waiting for our children with bated breath,” he wrote in a post. “Thank you @POTUS Trump!” Benny Gantz, former defense minister: “Congratulations on the plan to return all our abductees. Our hearts are with the 48 families in hope and prayer for the return of all of them – the living to the bosom of their loved ones, and the fallen to a proper burial in the land of Israel. And the sons returned to their borders,” he wrote on X. Trump says Gaza peace plan is a “great day for the world” US President Donald Trump told the Reuters news agency that the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas was a “great day for the world.” Israel preparing for potential Trump visit early next week, Israeli official says Israel is preparing for a potential visit by US President Donald Trump early next week, an Israeli official told CNN. Trump earlier said that he may travel to the Middle East on Sunday. He did not say which country he might visit. Earlier: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had invited Trump to him to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. White House says hostages will be "released very soon" All of the Israeli hostages will be released “very soon,” the White House announced in a video shared on Twitter. “Today President Trump has done it,” said Moshe Lavi, brother-in-law of Israeli hostage Omri Miran who is still held in Gaza. “He announced just now that our loved ones, the hostages are coming home.” Lavi is seen standing with Miran’s wife Lishay. They are joined by the family members of some other Israeli hostages. The family member went on to thank US President Donald Trump and his administration for “doing everything you can to bring them home.” "That’s very good news." US senators express optimism after Trump's announcement of first phase of Gaza deal Top lawmakers on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are weighing in on President Donald Trump’s announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan in Gaza. Here’s what they are saying: - The committee’s chairman, James Risch, a Republican, said that Trump’s Truth Social post is “good news,” though he added: “I haven’t seen (the announcement) yet.” Asked if he’s spoken to the president, Risch replied, “not in the last couple of hours.” - Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told CNN: “I think that’s very good news. We’ll see what the deadlines are to release the hostages, what comes next, but I think it’s real positive progress.” She also said that she was not given any updates before the announcement. - Sen. Chris Coons, another senior Democrat, called the Truth Social post “encouraging.” He also added, “I hope that it holds. This war has gone on for far too long. There are too many families still waiting to either welcome home hostages being held by Hamas or to receive the remains of those they’ve lost.” Here’s how other lawmakers are reacting: - Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, who has been a staunch defender of Israel, told reporters, “I mean, that’s, that’s profound, if that happens, absolutely. Two years’ war, I mean, that’s just, this is the first opportunity there could be enduring peace in the region.” - Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal told reporters that he is “very hopeful,” and wants to see more details. “I’m always hoping for a ceasefire that will return the hostages and provide more humanitarian aid, as well as a path toward peace, and the initial reports are hopeful,” he said. - Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker praised Trump, saying in a post on X that “the people in the region may finally have hope for a lasting peace.” - Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised the president, saying on on X that he was optimistic about the deal, yet “skeptical of Hamas’s motivations.” This post was updated with more reaction from US senators. Trump has been in the Oval Office on the phone since he left State Dining Room Trump has been in the Oval Office on the phone this evening since he left the State Dining Room, where he had said a Gaza deal was close, a White House official said. He spoke to Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner about an hour ago, reviewing his Truth Social with them before he posted. That call lasted “a while,” the official said. US assesses hostage release to begin Monday, White House official says, but timeline could speed up A senior White House official told CNN the White House assesses hostages will begin being released on Monday, though it is possible the timeline could move up. The official outlined the anticipated timeline, beginning with the deal going before the Israeli Cabinet on Thursday. “Once they vote yes, Israel has to withdraw to the line which should take under 24 hours,” the official said. “Then the 72 hour clock begins, and Hamas will try to go earlier if possible.” Trump speaks with Netanyahu after agreement announced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held a “very warm and emotional” conversation with US President Donald Trump in which the Israeli leader hailed the signing of the agreement as a “historic achievement,” his office said. The prime minister thanked the president for his efforts and invited him to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. Trump, meanwhile, congratulated Netanyahu for his leadership and actions, according to the prime minister’s office. Netanyahu also posted on the social platform X. This post was updated with Netanyahu’s reaction on social media. Some Israeli hostage families react to news of impending release of loved ones The family members of hostages still in Gaza are reacting to the news that their loved ones will be released as part of the first phase of a peace plan. Liran Berman, the brother of hostages Gali and Ziv Berman, said this in a post on X, shortly after news of the agreement was announced: Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, an Israel Defense Forces soldier whose body is held by Hamas, thanked President Donald Trump and other members of the US negotiating team in a post. “We are still nervous if and when Itay and the other hostages on the deceased list will be found and brought back to us,” the post said. Itay Chen is a dual US citizen. Netanyahu to convene government Thursday to ratify deal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will convene the government Thursday to ratify the agreement with Hamas and return the hostages from Gaza. He called this “a great day for Israel” and said the country could continue to achieve its goals and expand peace with its neighbors. Some background: According to Israeli law, any decision to release Palestinian prisoners as part of a hostage deal must first be approved by the government. If the cabinet votes in favor of the deal, there is then a short window for petitions to be filed before Israel’s High Court of Justice to challenge the releases. The government can only proceed with releases after that hurdle is cleared. Trump announces "first phase" of Gaza peace plan. Here's how it happened today US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a peace framework that will allow for the swift release of all hostages. Trump earlier said that he may travel to the Middle East after a deal is reached. After Trump’s announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “with God’s help we will bring them all home.” An Israeli source told CNN that the hostages are expected to be released on Saturday or Sunday. Hamas said in a statement that the agreement stipulates “an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation’s withdrawal from it, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange.” Here are the key developments today that led up to this moment: • Earlier in Egypt: Several high-level leaders and officials arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh for an “expanded meeting” to end the war. - Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani - US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner - Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashad - Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin - Israel’s chief negotiator Ron Dermer Reports of progress: Then this afternoon, CNN started reporting that parties involved were talking about progress made. Top US diplomat Marco Rubio said he had canceled his scheduled travel to be available for a possible trip to the Middle East. Then we saw Rubio pass a handwritten note to Trump during an event at the White House that appeared to say the deal was very close. Meanwhile: A Qatari official said details of the first phase will be announced soon. But remember, key issues have included Israeli forces’ withdrawal and the list of Palestinian prisoners set for release. Trump’s announcement did not mention those thorny topics, or Hamas’s disarmament and the future governance of the enclave. President Donald Trump told reporters that he had been informed that a hostage and ceasefire deal is “very close” as Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed him a handwritten note during a roundtable event at the White House. Hamas announces an agreement "stipulating an end to the war on Gaza" Hamas in a statement has announced the conclusion of an agreement “stipulating an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation’s withdrawal from it, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange.” Hamas goes on to thank all mediators involved: Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. The statement also thanked US President Donald Trump. “We also value the efforts of US President Donald Trump, who seek to bring about a definitive end to the war and a complete withdrawal of the occupation from the Gaza Strip,” the statement reads. Hamas also urged mediators to compel Israel “to fully implement the agreement’s requirements and not allow it to evade or delay the implementation of what has been agreed upon.” The spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry also said that the agreement “will lead to ending the war” in Gaza. Israeli hostages likely to be released Saturday or Sunday, source says Israeli hostages are likely to be released on Saturday or Sunday, an Israeli source familiar with the matter said. The exact timing of the hostage release will depend on when the Israeli cabinet approves the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convene his cabinet on Thursday. Hostage families welcome agreement with "excitement, anticipation and concern" The families of the hostages in Gaza said they are receiving news of the agreement for the return of their loved ones with “excitement, anticipation and concern.” The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the living hostages will be reunited and rehabilitated with families, while those who have died will be laid to rest. “This marks an important and meaningful step toward bringing everyone back, yet our struggle is not over and will not end until the last hostage returns home,” a statement from the families read. Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, expressed joy over her son’s anticipated return. “These are the tears I prayed for,” she said. Trump, in his post, suggests some thorny Gaza topics will be left for later negotiations President Donald Trump’s message came almost exactly two hours after he was handed a note by his top diplomat saying there was a Truth Social post awaiting his approval announcing a deal had been struck. In his message, Trump mentions two of the top issues negotiators had been working on this week in Egypt: the release of hostages and Israeli withdrawal from certain parts of Gaza. But he does not mention other thorny topics that will need to be resolved, including Hamas’s disarmament and the future governance of the strip. Trump seems to be suggesting in his post that those will be left for another phase of talks. Wednesday’s announcement, he says, is the “first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.” Qatar says the agreement will lead to ending the war, entry of aid and release of hostages and prisoners A Qatari official says the newly announced agreement will “lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.” US President Donald Trump announced a "first phase" peace framework between Israel and Hamas, aimed at the swift release of all hostages. This agreement, brokered by the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, is reported to include an end to the war, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, increased humanitarian aid, and a prisoner exchange. Israel's cabinet is expected to ratify the deal on Thursday, with hostage releases potentially commencing as early as Saturday, Sunday, or Monday. This initial phase represents a significant de-escalation in the conflict. This development is reflected in a "strongly positive" sentiment score of 0.75 and an "optimistic" tone, with a high market impact score of 0.85. However, critical and complex issues such as Hamas's disarmament and the long-term governance of Gaza remain unresolved, explicitly flagged as "thorny topics" for future negotiations. UN Secretary-General Guterres committed to supporting full implementation and reconstruction efforts, though analysts caution that a "long, hard road" still lies ahead. The announcement carries notable political implications, particularly for President Trump, whose involvement is highlighted by a 0.9 per-ticker sentiment for DJT and reports of a potential visit to Israel. While US senators largely expressed optimism, some, like Senate Majority Leader Thune, remained "skeptical of Hamas’s motivations." The perceived reduction in immediate geopolitical risk in the Middle East is likely to resonate favorably across global markets.
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