Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
“This epic ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our historic victory in November, as it signaled to the entire world that my administration would seek peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans and our allies,” Trump stated on Wednesday afternoon.
“I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones,” he added, noting that his national security team, through the efforts of Steve Witkoff, his nominee for special Middle East envoy, “will continue to work closely with Israel and our allies to make sure Gaza never again becomes a terrorist safe haven.”
“We will continue promoting peace through strength throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the historic Abraham Accords,” Trump stated. “This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the world.”
An Israeli source told the country’s Channel 12 News that the Palestinian terrorist group committed to the deal in writing, and Al Jazeera reported that a Hamas delegation, led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya, delivered the approval to mediators in Doha and Cairo.
Hamas stated that it “acted with responsibility and a positive attitude” in its response to the latest proposals in Doha.
Members of Congress credited Trump for the deal.
“President Trump hasn’t even been sworn in yet and he’s already scoring massive wins,” stated Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.).
“Earlier this month, Donald Trump warned, ‘If those hostages aren’t back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East,’” stated Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.). “Now, hostages are being released. That’s peace through strength, and he’s not even in office yet.”
“I’m encouraged by reports that Hamas has agreed to release hostages,” wrote Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.). “We must keep up the pressure until all hostages are released and returned to their families.”
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Al Thani scheduled a press conference for Wednesday evening, according to Reuters.
Preparations are reportedly underway in Jerusalem to convene the Security Cabinet, which consists of senior ministers, and the full government to approve the agreement on Thursday.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that he is cutting his diplomatic visit to Europe short and will return to Jerusalem on Wednesday night “to participate in the expected discussions and votes in the Security Cabinet and government.”
Ynet reported that the Security Cabinet is scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. on Thursday, immediately followed by a meeting of the full government.
As the news of the deal unfolded, Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s office announced that the head of state held a meeting with International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger.
The NGO previously helped provide transportation services during the November 2023 ceasefire, during which Hamas released 105 hostages.
“The Red Cross team briefed the President on the preparations for the transfer of the hostages and the various challenges they face,” Herzog’s office stated, adding that the president “emphasized the utmost importance and sensitivity of this mission.”
The Wall Street Journal reported that mediators ironed out the deal terms on Tuesday night but awaited Hamas’s approval. The Journal reported, citing Arab sources, that Mohammed Sinwar, the de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza, gave his “in principle” approval to the terms of the deal.
Sinwar’s agreement reportedly came mere hours after Hamas publicly announced for the first time that negotiations were in their “final stages.”
The parties agreed to a six-week initial ceasefire phase that includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and the release of the hostages in exchange for Palestinian terrorists held in Israeli prisons, an official briefed on the talks told Reuters.
Hamas is holding 98 hostages, 94 of whom were taken during the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre and four of whom were captured in 2014, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. Thirty-six are deceased, including two from 2014 (Israeli Defense Forces Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul).