Landmark Hostage Deal Announced by Israeli Prime Minister
Wednesday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared it “a great day for Israel,” announcing a significant agreement aimed at securing the release of all remaining Israeli hostages. The deal was reached with the support of President Donald Trump.
This announcement came after several days of intense diplomatic efforts and confirmed Trump’s backing of the hostages’ return. Netanyahu stated, “I will convene the government to approve the deal and bring all the precious hostages home.” In a message on X, he praised the bravery of Israeli soldiers and security forces while expressing gratitude to Trump for assisting in this “sacred mission.”
He soon followed up with another post, labeling the breakthrough a “diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel.” Netanyahu firmly reiterated his commitment, stating, “I have been clear from the beginning: we will not rest until all the hostages are returned and all our goals are achieved.” He attributed this critical moment to “firm determination, strong military action, and the tremendous efforts of our great friend and ally, President Trump.”
Netanyahu also expressed gratitude towards Trump, acknowledging his leadership and steadfast commitment to Israel’s security and the release of hostages. He added, “With the help of Almighty God, together we will continue to achieve all our goals and expand peace with our neighbors. God bless Israel. God bless America. God bless our great alliance.”
On the same night, President Trump officially announced the deal on Truth Social, stating that both Israel and Hamas had “agreed to the first phase of a peace plan.” This plan includes the release of all hostages and Israel’s withdrawal to agreed fronts as an initial step toward a lasting peace. Trump described it as “a great day for the Arab and Islamic world, for Israel, for all neighboring countries, and for the United States of America,” thanking mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
The agreement could potentially see the release of all hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks, with expectations they may be freed as early as this weekend.
During a White House press briefing, Trump mentioned a possible visit to Egypt “over the weekend, probably on Sunday,” expressing optimism about the ongoing negotiations. “There’s a very good chance that negotiations will go very well… Our last negotiations were with Hamas, and they seem to be going well,” he stated.
The deal comes nearly two years post the October 7 attack and aligns with Trump’s recent Gaza Peace and Reconstruction Plan, which links the reconstruction efforts and the dismantling of Hamas with the return of all remaining hostages.
