Following the breaking news of the hostage deal agreement, Donald Trump, who was key in the negotiations and pressure on Hamas, made a post to X regarding the release of Israeli hostages from captivity in Gaza.
This is Trump's follow up post on the agreement:
"This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones. With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven. We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World! We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!"
The agreement is now in the final stages of implementation, with the Israeli and Hamas negotiating teams notifying mediators that they have accepted the terms of the deal. While progress has been made, some details remain unresolved, including the precise parameters for the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Mediators, including the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, are still awaiting a map from Israel that outlines this withdrawal.
The deal follows months of intense mediation, with the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar brokering discussions between Israel and Hamas. The deal involves a staged release of hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and severely ill individuals, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. During the first phase, which is set to last 42 days, Israel will also allow partial withdrawals from Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid shipments. The second stage will involve the release of all remaining living hostages and a declaration of the permanent cessation of hostilities. The third phase will focus on the return of bodies held by Hamas.
Despite these advancements, the deal comes after prolonged resistance from Netanyahu’s government to make major concessions on a full IDF withdrawal or the cessation of hostilities. While President Biden's administration pressed for planning on the post-war governance of Gaza, Netanyahu rejected calls to allow the Palestinian Authority to replace Hamas in Gaza, as he believed such efforts would be premature while Hamas remained operational.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has attempted to push forward with a strategy for Gaza’s postwar management, but Israel has largely resisted these calls, reflecting the challenges faced by the Biden administration in influencing Israel's military strategy and negotiation tactics.
Previously, President-Elect Trump expressed optimism in a recent interview, emphasizing the urgency of the hostage deal and warning that failure to finalize it could lead to serious consequences in the region. His comments underscored the continuing pressures on all parties to bring the situation to a resolution, with the expectation that a joint statement from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt will be issued soon.
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