Hamas accepts Trump peace plan ending 2 years of war in Gaza, returning hostages

Hamas has accepted a U.S.-brokered peace plan put forward by President Donald Trump to end the Gaza war and release hostages, two years after the group’s Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel sparked the deadliest conflict for Jews since the Holocaust.

Trump announced the agreement on Truth Social, calling it a “Historic and Unprecedented Event” that would see all hostages freed and Israeli troops withdraw to agreed positions. He praised mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and told Sean Hannity he expects hostages to be released Monday.

The deal is set to be signed Thursday in Sharm el-Sheikh, where Israeli, Hamas, and Qatari officials were seen embracing as talks concluded. Netanyahu called it “a great day for Israel” and thanked Trump, vowing to bring “all our dear hostages home.”

Hamas confirmed the accord, saying it ends the war, ensures Israel’s withdrawal, allows humanitarian aid, and establishes a temporary technocratic Palestinian administration to govern Gaza. A 20-point blueprint also outlines an international economic reconstruction plan.

The agreement, backed by Qatar, Egypt, and Arab states, avoids forced relocations and prevents Israel from annexing Gaza. Instead, Trump said, “We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.”

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz hailed the deal as a “blessing,” thanking both Netanyahu and Trump.