Washington [US], October 9: US President Donald Trump and others confirmed that Israel and Hamas have reached a phase one peace deal to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
"I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have signed phase one of the peace plan," President Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social this morning, October 9.
According to CNN, the statement was made about 2 hours after reporters saw Secretary of State Marco Rubio suddenly appear at a White House event to hand President Trump a note, which said that the deal was very close and the Truth Social post was prepared for the leader to approve and announce the Gaza deal first.
Qatar, one of the negotiating mediators, also announced that an agreement had been reached to help release Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, bring aid into the Gaza Strip and would lead to an end to hostilities.
According to President Trump, "all hostages will be released soon" and Israel will withdraw its troops to pre-agreed lines as the first step towards lasting peace.
Shortly afterward, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said that Israel would bring all hostages from the Gaza Strip back home "with God's help." The leader will convene the cabinet to ratify the deal.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Netanyahu had a phone call shortly afterward. Mr. Netanyahu thanked the American leader and invited Mr. Trump to address the Israeli parliament. In response, the White House owner congratulated Mr. Netanyahu on his leadership and actions.
Major news agencies such as AP and AFP quoted sources saying that Hamas will release all 20 hostages alive this weekend while the Israeli army will withdraw from most of the Gaza Strip. CNN quoted Israeli sources revealing that the hostages are expected to be released on October 11 or 12.
Hamas issued a statement saying it had signed an agreement to end hostilities in the Gaza Strip, with Israel withdrawing troops from the strip, bringing in aid and exchanging prisoners.
Hamas thanked Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and President Trump for their efforts in peacemaking. It also urged the mediators to force Israel to fully implement the terms of the agreement and not to evade or delay the implementation of what was agreed.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
