Trump invited to address Israeli Gov. as deal reached to exchange hostages
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal, according to US President Donald Trump, who said the hostages and prisoners will be released within 72 hours of the agreement being approved
With a ceasefire and hostage release agreement now announced in the Middle East, President Donald Trump's calendar indicates he could be making an unscheduled journey to the region during the deal's rollout.
Israel and Hamas have reached an understanding on the "first phase" of his peace proposal to halt hostilities and free at least some captives and detainees, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday.
Based on preliminary arrangements, the hostage liberation should occur within two days of Hamas accepting the proposal - although comprehensive details remain under wraps. President Trump's Friday agenda includes a potential spontaneous Middle East visit that might align with the hostage release, according to a CNN analyst citing a government source.
CNN analyst Barak Ravid tweeted, "Senior American official: The war in Gaza has ended. The hostages will be released 72 hours after the Israeli cabinet approves the agreement. The assessment is that this will happen at the latest on Monday.
"This means that 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," Trump posted earlier tonight on Truth Social. "All Parties will be treated fairly!"
Mediators have been convening in Egypt for days to work out a Trump-endorsed peace framework that he anticipates will eventually lead to a permanent conclusion of the two-year conflict and establish lasting stability in the area. The initial agreement was confirmed by Israeli officials, Hamas, and mediator Qatar, according to the Times of Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the development as "A great day for Israel. Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home," in a statement from his office. He added, "I thank the brave IDF soldiers and all the security forces - it is thanks to their courage and sacrifice that we have reached this day,".
He went on to invite President Trump to address the Knesset in Israel as Ynet reports he is expected to make a speech Sunday.
Hamas also released a statement confirming the hostage-ceasefire agreement with Israel. The group expressed gratitude towards Donald Trump and urged the U.S. "to compel the occupation government to fully implement the obligations of the agreement and to prevent it from evading or delaying the implementation of what has been agreed upon.
"We salute our great people in the Gaza Strip, in Jerusalem and the West Bank, inside our homeland and abroad, who have demonstrated unmatched honor, courage, and steadfastness, confronting the occupation's fascist schemes that targeted them and their national rights," the statement from Hamas continued.
The terror group confirmed that the agreement "provides for an end to the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of the occupation forces, the entry of humanitarian aid, and a prisoner exchange."
The Palestinian terrorist organization expressed gratitude to the mediators and US President Donald Trump for facilitating an end to the war sparked by its October 7, 2023, assault on Israel. They urged them "to compel the occupation government to fully implement the obligations of the agreement and to prevent it from evading or delaying the implementation of what has been agreed upon.
"We salute our great people in the Gaza Strip, in Jerusalem and the West Bank, inside our homeland and abroad, who have demonstrated unmatched honor, courage, and steadfastness, confronting the occupation's fascist schemes that targeted them and their national rights," the statement continued.
"We affirm that our people's sacrifices will not be in vain, and we pledge to remain faithful to our cause and never abandon our national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved," the statement concluded.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement expressing their "excitement, hope and concern" about the deal, emphasizing that it isn't over until the hostages are safely back on Israeli soil.
"This is important and significant progress toward returning everyone, but our struggle has not ended and will not end until the last hostage returns," the statement read.