Israel and Hamas have agreed to first phase of Gaza peace deal says Trump

* Agreement paves way for ceasefire

By John Egie with agency report

US President Donald Trump has said that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of his Gaza peace deal

The agreement would see the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the entry of aid into Gaza

Israel’s government will meet today, and if it formally approves the deal, a ceasefire will go into effect

The US says all the remaining Israeli hostages would be released on Monday.

Of the 251 people taken by Hamas on 7 October 2023, there are believed to be 48 hostages still being held in Gaza – 20 of whom are thought to be alive.

So far 148 people have been returned – most as part of previous ceasefire deals – 51 bodies have been recovered and eight hostages have been rescued.

Phase one of the agreement announced earlier would see Hamas release all remaining Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza.

The release of the remaining hostages has long been at the forefront of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demands.

Hamas confirmed the deal, but a Palestinian source told the BBC it has not yet received the final list of prisoners that Israel plans to release in exchange

Palestinians in Gaza and hostage families in Israel have been celebrating the breakthrough, which came after intense negotiations in Egypt

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the agreement “a great day” for his country, while UK PM Keir Starmer says it is a “moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world

World leaders have been continuing to react to the announcement:

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen commends the diplomatic efforts to reach a deal, and says she is “encouraged” by the support given by the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. “Now, all parties must fully uphold the terms of the agreement,” she says

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says the agreement “marks a significant breakthrough” and represents “a real chance to end a devastating war and release all the hostages”

French President Emmanuel Macron says France is “ready to contribute” to attaining peace, and has called on “all parties to strictly uphold its terms”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he is “relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families. After years of intense suffering, peace finally feels attainable”

Meanwhile Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he is “greatly pleased” that negotiations have resulted in a ceasefire agreement, but adds that “we will continue our struggle until a Palestinian state is established

Credit: BBC