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US-Brokered Gaza Peace Deal: Israel and Hamas Sign Off on First Phase, Paving Way for Historic Ceasefire
US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have formally signed off on the first phase of the US-brokered peace plan, marking a major milestone towards ending the war in Gaza. The agreement includes the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a set number of Palestinian prisoners, alongside a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Trump described the day’s outcome as a “GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America.”
The announcement came after an intense day of negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly handed Trump a note during a White House event, informing him that a deal was imminent. Trump later said he expected to travel to Egypt as soon as this weekend, possibly on Friday, to oversee the next stage of discussions. The 20-point peace framework, which formed the basis of the negotiations, also calls for Hamas’s disarmament and an internationally supervised reconstruction of Gaza.
Key Points of the Agreement
* The release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a set number of Palestinian prisoners
* A phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
* Hamas’s disarmament
* An internationally supervised reconstruction of Gaza
* The agreement marks the first steps towards a strong, durable, and everlasting peace in the Middle East
According to news agency AFP, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hailed the talks as “encouraging,” while Hamas negotiators expressed “optimism” that the truce could lead to an enduring ceasefire. Trump thanked Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their mediation efforts, saying that all parties would be treated fairly.
Reaction from World Leaders
World leaders have welcomed the announcement, with many hailing it as a major breakthrough in the Middle East peace process. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said that the agreement was a “positive step” towards a lasting peace, while the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, urged all parties to “work together to ensure the implementation of the agreement.”
Trump’s announcement has also been met with skepticism from some quarters, with some experts warning that the agreement is only the first step in a long and difficult process. However, the US President remains optimistic, saying that the world is witnessing the “first steps toward everlasting peace in the Middle East.”
Background to the Conflict
The conflict in Gaza has been ongoing for decades, with periodic outbreaks of violence between Israel and Hamas. The latest escalation began in August, with both sides exchanging rocket fire and airstrikes. The conflict has resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives, as well as widespread destruction and displacement.
International Efforts to Broker Peace
The international community has been working tirelessly to broker a peace deal, with the US, EU, and UN all playing a role in the negotiations. The US has been at the forefront of the efforts, with Trump’s administration pushing for a comprehensive peace agreement.
The agreement announced by Trump is the result of months of intense negotiations, with multiple rounds of talks held in secret. The US President has been personally involved in the negotiations, with his son-in-law and advisor, Jared Kushner, playing a key role in the talks.
What Next?
The signing off on the first phase of the US-brokered peace plan is a major milestone, but there is still much work to be done. The next stage of discussions is expected to focus on the implementation of the agreement, with the US, Israel, and Hamas all working together to ensure a lasting peace.
Trump is expected to travel to Egypt this weekend to oversee the next stage of discussions, where he will meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and other regional leaders. The US President has said that he is committed to seeing the peace process through to its conclusion, and has vowed to do everything in his power to ensure a lasting peace in the Middle East.
In conclusion, the US-brokered Gaza peace deal is a major breakthrough in the Middle East peace process, and marks a significant step towards a lasting peace. While there is still much work to be done, the agreement announced by Trump is a positive step forward, and offers hope for a brighter future for the people of Gaza and the wider region.
Keywords: US-brokered Gaza peace deal, Israel, Hamas, Donald Trump, Middle East peace process, ceasefire, Palestinian prisoners, Israeli withdrawal, Gaza reconstruction
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