US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement to release all hostages held by the Palestinian militant group. “We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East,” Trump declared on TruthSocial, adding that the hostages’ release would occur shortly.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to media reports, the deal, facilitated in Qatar, includes a 42-day ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, covering all Israelis captured during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 incursion from Gaza.
“This epic ceasefire agreement could only have happened due to our historic November victory, signaling that my administration will seek peace and prioritize the safety of Americans and our allies,” Trump stated. He emphasized his commitment to preventing Gaza from becoming a terrorist stronghold and promised further diplomatic achievements.
Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, played a pivotal role in persuading Israel to accept the terms. Speaking to Israel’s Channel 12, Witkoff expressed gratitude to all parties involved, attributing the success to Trump’s “peace through strength” strategy.
Qatari ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, along with Egyptian and Turkish intelligence officials, engaged in talks with Hamas to finalize the agreement. Senior Israeli security officials, including Mossad and Shin Bet leaders, also participated in the negotiations.
