A major breakthrough has been reached in the long-running Gaza conflict as Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Egypt on Thursday.
According to Shosh Bedrosian, spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the deal marks what U.S. President Donald Trump described as the “first phase” of a broader plan to end the two-year war in Gaza and secure the return of the remaining Israeli hostages.
President Trump announced that all remaining hostages held in Gaza are expected to be released by Monday or Tuesday as part of the agreement.
The deal also includes provisions for Israel to begin withdrawing its forces to an “agreed upon line” once the Israeli government formally approves the accord.
In Tel Aviv, Hostages Square was filled with celebratory crowds waving U.S. and Israeli flags on Thursday night. Many expressed gratitude to President Trump for his involvement in mediating the deal, calling it a hopeful step toward peace.