Source: Newsweek.com

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reacted after Israel and Hamas agreed to the “first phase” of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

Why It Matters

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused widespread death and devastation in Gaza, displacing millions and creating severe shortages of food, water and medical care. Israel has also suffered from rocket attacks and security threats, highlighting the broader human and strategic toll on both sides.

Beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis, the fighting has far-reaching implications for regional stability, international diplomacy and global security. Progress toward ending the violence and establishing a ceasefire could help prevent further civilian suffering and lay the groundwork for rebuilding and long-term stability in the region.

What To Know

Trump, announcing the outlines of the biggest breakthrough in months in the two-year war, said Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first phase” of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners.

Hamas plans to release all 20 remaining living hostages this weekend, people familiar with the matter told the Associated Press. The Israeli military is expected to begin withdrawing from most of Gaza.

Netanyahu posted on X: “A great day for Israel. Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home. I thank the heroic soldiers of the IDF and all the security forces, thanks to whose courage and sacrifice we have reached this day. I thank from the depths of my heart President Trump and his team for their mobilization for this sacred mission of releasing our hostages. With the help of the Almighty, together we will continue to achieve all our goals and expand peace with our neighbors.”

“With God’s help we will bring them all home,” he said regarding the hostages.

It was not immediately clear whether the parties had made any progress on thornier questions about the future of the conflict, including whether Hamas will demilitarize, as Trump has demanded, and eventual governance of the war-torn territory. But the agreement nonetheless marked the most momentous development since a deal in January and February that involved the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and has left much of the coastal strip uninhabitable.

What People Are Saying

Trump, on Truth Social: “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly!”

What Happens Next

Negotiators are now expected to focus on establishing practical steps for halting the fighting and the logistics of a prisoner exchange.

This article includes reporting by the AP.

Update 10/8/25, 9:11 p.m. ET: This article has been updated to include more information.