Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of the U.S.-proposed Gaza peace deal, allowing the release of all Israeli hostages, U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday.
The deal, if implemented, would bring the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that has evolved into a regional conflict, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon, and reshaping the Middle East.
The agreement means all hostages "will be released very soon," Trump wrote on social media.
"I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan... BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!" - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/lAUxi1UPYh —WhiteHouse
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convene the government on Thursday to approve the ceasefire agreement.
"With God's help we will bring them all home," he said of the hostages, calling it a "great day for Israel."
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 o
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