The former President of the United States believes a significant moment is near. Donald Trump shared his thoughts with Fox News, saying he expects Hamas hostages to “return home on Monday.” This hopeful statement follows news of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza between Hamas and Israel.
Trump had announced on Wednesday that both Hamas and Israel accepted the first stage of his peace plan for the Gaza Strip. He posted on Truth Social, detailing the path forward: “All hostages will be released soon.” He also mentioned that Israel would pull back its troops to a pre-agreed line. These moves, he stated, are the crucial “first steps towards a strong, lasting, and eternal peace.” Trump expressed pride in announcing that both sides had signed this initial phase of what he called “our Peace Plan,” after intense negotiations in Egypt.
These discussions were made possible through the combined efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States. Confirming the breakthrough, Al-Qahera News, a channel linked to Egyptian security services, also reported that mediators had secured an agreement. This news arrives during the week that marks two years since Hamas’s initial attack against Israel.
Looking beyond the immediate return of hostages, Trump told Fox News that the United States would play a role in “maintaining peace” in Gaza. He painted a picture of a much safer, rebuilt Gaza, with wealthy countries in the region eager to contribute to its reconstruction. The US aims to support these efforts, ensuring success and helping to preserve the peace.
The initial points of this peace plan, first introduced at the White House on September 29, call for an end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. It also mandates the release of all Hamas hostages—both living and deceased—within 72 hours. The broader plan includes disarming Hamas and Israel withdrawing from the enclave. It also proposes forming a transitional government in the Gaza Strip. Over the long term, it suggests possible talks for creating a Palestinian State. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously rejected this option.
Hamas has agreed to some parts of the plan but seeks to negotiate others. Discussions have been ongoing in Egypt since Monday. Both Hamas and Israel have already exchanged lists of detainees they wish to see released. Hamas aims for the release of nearly 2,000 individuals held by Israel in exchange for the hostages they hold. These detainees include Palestinians convicted and imprisoned in Israel, some of whom are prominent figures from armed groups. Others were captured during the Gaza offensive.
The grim backdrop to these negotiations is the attack by Hamas on Israeli soil on October 7, 2023. That day, 1,200 people died, and 251 were taken hostage. According to the Israeli army, 47 of those abducted remain hostages in Gaza, and 25 have tragically died. Israel’s retaliation has led to a devastating toll, with the Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, reporting over 67,000 Palestinian deaths. Last month, the United Nations also declared a famine in some parts of the enclave.