How Gaza Ceasefire Reached: After Biden’s Failed Diplomacy, Trump Brokers First Phase As Hostages Set To Return | World News

Cairo (Egypt): President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had officially signed the first phase of the ceasefire, calling it “a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding nations, and the United States of America.” He thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye for their role in making the “Historic and Unprecedented Event” happen.

“This is a great day, a great day for everyone,” the US resident said on Truth Social, emphasizing the importance of the agreement.[residentpostedonTruthSocialemphasizingthesignificanceofthedeal[residentpostedonTruthSocialemphasisingthesignificanceofthedeal

Israeli Army Prepares for All Scenarios

While the Israeli army issued a statement welcoming the ceasefire, Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir instructed soldiers to “prepare with a strong defense and be ready for any scenario.”

“At the same time, the Chief of Staff instructed (the troops) to prepare to lead the operation to take the hostages; this operation is expected to be carried out with precision and professionalism,” the statement said.

Hamas confirmed via Telegram that it had “submitted a list of Palestinian prisoners” to Israel under the agreement and was awaiting final approval of the names before they were made public.

Trump Praised for Breakthrough

Trump received great praise on social media in the last hour.

Observers underlined how complex the negotiations were. He also managed to influence Hamas by putting pressure on Israel and holding talks with Egypt and Qatar.

At the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, it was clear that Trump was determined to achieve a peace agreement. And he completed and delivered the first phase of the agreement.

There is a lot of work to be done and some details still need to be clarified.

For now, Trump seems to have achieved what Joe Biden could not by bringing a ceasefire in Gaza.

He had promised an earlier solution, but he still succeeded.

UN Sees Opportunity for Lasting Peace

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the ceasefire as “an important opportunity” for a two-state solution and the end of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands.

He praised the “diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye in brokering this desperately needed progress” and said the UN would “increase” relief, rescue and reconstruction activities in Gaza.

Guterres wrote to

Netanyahu and Trump in Historic Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the agreement “a big day for Israel.” His office confirmed there was an “emotional and warm meeting” with Trump in which both leaders congratulated each other on the signing of the hostage release agreement.

Netanyahu further strengthened their cooperation by inviting Trump to speak at the Knesset.

He made a series of statements claiming that the latest breakthrough occurred “due to Israeli military pressure,” “due to Israel’s sustained military activity,” and “due to the goals set by Netanyahu at the beginning of the war.”

But on the ground, the story looks very different.

Most of the captives released from Gaza were released through diplomatic efforts, ceasefire arrangements, or direct negotiations involving the Americans. This was not the result of large-scale military operations that the Israeli army and government had been boasting about for months.

Netanyahu now faces increasing pressure not only from the international community but also from within Israel. Families of prisoners held for two years and one day have become increasingly vocal, staging weekly protests, marching in the streets, and publicly declaring that they no longer trust their own leadership.

Netanyahu was given little or no credit. Many Israelis believe the prime minister has repeatedly blocked potential deals; including one in July 2024, when mediators said a deal could be reached, but Netanyahu imposed new conditions at the last minute, effectively collapsing the entire ceasefire plan.

Hamas also underlined the importance of Trump’s involvement in preserving the ceasefire. The Palestinian group’s statement praised the US president and called for Israel to comply with the agreement.

However, while the ceasefire was declared, Israeli warplanes launched attacks on Gaza city. Casualties have not yet been confirmed and further updates are expected as the situation develops.

US Strategic Pressure for a Ceasefire

The USA wanted the ceasefire declaration to come directly from Trump. He unveiled a 20-point peace plan following a meeting with Netanyahu at the White House on September 29, following months of negotiations and previous attacks on Hamas negotiators in Tehran and Doha.

Trump also strengthened international support for the agreement by meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders at the UN General Assembly last month.