By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wednesday evening, President Trump announced Israel and Hamas have agreed to move forward with his administration’s peace plan to end the war.
While meeting in Egypt this week, negotiators from both parties signed off on “Phase One” of the president’s 20-point peace proposal.
Even with Phase One agreed to, major uncertainties remain about whether a lasting peace deal can be achieved. That being said, Wednesday’s agreement is drawing praise across the globe, just over two years after the war broke out.
“Last night we reached a momentous breakthrough in the Middle East, something that people said was never going to be done,” said President Trump.
“I think it will go down as a historic moment in the history of our country,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Under this initial phase, Israel will withdraw troops to an agreed-upon line and all hostages held in Gaza will be released, only 20 of whom are believed to be living.
“We secured the release of all of the remaining hostages and they should be released on Monday or Tuesday,” said Trump.
President Trump called it the first steps toward a “strong, durable and everlasting peace.” The news is bringing joy to civilians in Gaza and Israel.
On Capitol Hill, both parties are calling the agreement a breakthrough.
“Very, very positive step in the right direction,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY.). “We’re all hopeful that this agreement will be finalized and the hostages will be released in a matter of days and return home to their loved ones. Of course, that we can surge humanitarian assistance into Gaza to alleviate the pain and suffering.”
“I have made it my mission since October 7 to secure the release of the hostages, and I am more hopeful than ever that they will soon be returned to their families. This is also the best approach to surging resources and food into Gaza to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of Palestinian families. Now, we can turn to our Arab partners to help with the long and important work of rebuilding Gaza, working toward a two-state solution, and establishing an enduring security and economic alliance in the Middle East,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY.).
“We are on the precipice of a monumental and historic achievement,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).
“I think it’s very significant because in order to have a deal happen, you have to bring all the interested parties to the table. And we haven’t had all the interested parties to the table in a very long time,” said Rep. Jack Bergman (R- Mich.).
“I think it’s a remarkable moment,” said Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.). “None of this would have happened — and I really believe this — without the leadership of President Trump… It’s the orchestrated leadership under President Trump that has set the table for something truly historic.”
However, the work is far from over. Certain details and conditions still need to be worked out.
“Now, we’ve still got some work to do. There’s lots to get done before we have true peace in the Middle East,” McCormick added.
This is just the first phase of many in this peace proposal. Sticking points still remain — including Hamas disarmament and both immediate and long-term governance in Gaza.
“Securing next steps to make Gaza as it will look in the future, a place where Palestinians can live and figure out a way to govern themselves that is not anti-Israel,” said Rep. Bergman. “Without the influence of Iran, I believe it has a higher chance of success because Iran will be a negative influence.”
The Trump administration’s 20-point peace proposal includes a long list of conditions to help revitalize Gaza — but all of that is dependent on the success of the first few phases.
After a ceasefire and Israeli hostages are returned, Palestinian prisoners would be released by Israel. Hamas fighters who lay down their weapons will be granted amnesty or safe passage to other accepting countries. Gaza would be run by a temporary Palestinian committee — overseen by an international “Board of Peace” led by President Trump and other world leaders. A U.S.-backed force would guard borders and train local police.
As a result of the Phase One agreement, the United Nations has prepared a large-scale, 60-day aid plan for Gaza with massive quantities of food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies ready to be moved.
