Israel, Hamas agree to ceasefire and hostage deal

[Gaza Strip under loupe]

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage deal as part of the first phase of a peace plan advanced by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza.

"ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly!," Trump posted on Truth Social.

“With God’s help we will bring them all home,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proclaimed on social media shortly after Trump's announcement. Netanyahu said he would convene the government Thursday to approve the deal.

Hamas will release all living hostages in a matter of days, while Israeli troops are expected to begin withdrawing from Gaza, sources told _The Associated Press_.

The deal comes two years after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages. Around 20 hostages are currently believed to be alive.

More than 67,000 Palestinians were killed in Israel's assault on Gaza in the aftermath of the Hamas attack, according to the Gaza health ministry.

The deal was struck after negotiations were held to discuss a 20-point peace plan announced by Trump last week. Under this, the U.S. would lead an internationally-funded reconstruction effort in Gaza.

Israel would maintain an open-ended military presence inside Gaza, along its border with Israel. An international force would be responsible for security within Gaza, composed largely of troops from Arab and Muslim countries.

_-- The Associated Press contributed to this report._

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