Trump peace deal hailed as crucial step to end Gaza war

Australia cautiously welcomes a deal that could bring an end to the Israel-Hamas war, but leaders warn there is a long way to go before lasting peace is secured.

The deal announced by US President Donald Trump was a much-needed step towards ending the conflict, the prime minister and foreign minister said in a joint statement.

“Australia welcomes President Trump’s announcement that Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of a plan to bring peace to Gaza,” Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong said in a statement on Thursday. he said.

“We call on all parties to comply with the terms of the plan.

“There is a long road to recovery in Gaza, securing long-term peace and establishing a Palestinian state.”

Trump said that Israel and Hamas signed the first phase of the 20-point peace plan.

“All parties will be treated fairly!” the president said in a post on his online platform Truth Social.

“This is a GREAT day for the Arab and Muslim World, for Israel, for all surrounding nations, and for the United States of America.”

Under the agreement, Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line and is expected to give up its control over the majority of Gaza.

The remaining Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023 will likely be released from Gaza starting Saturday, according to Israeli officials.

Approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released from Israeli prisons under the agreement.

Earlier on Thursday (AEDT) Mr Trump said he could travel to Egypt in the coming days to sign the deal.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said the agreement should “create hope” at home and abroad.

“All fair-minded Australians will welcome this announcement,” they said in a joint statement.

“Today’s release of hostages held for more than two years is a hopeful first step towards ending this war and beginning lasting peace.”

Liberal frontbencher and former Australian ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma said the Middle East should not be Australia’s main focus, but the government could have a role to play in the region.

“As this process progresses further, we will keep an open mind to ways we can help in a meaningful way,” he told AAP.

Jewish groups support the peace plan because it guarantees the return of the remaining hostages.

The Australia-Palestine Advocacy Network has previously criticized Mr Trump’s proposal, claiming it does not deliver justice or peace and fails to guarantee Palestinian sovereignty.

The two-year war, which ravaged Gaza and inflamed social tensions in Australia, was sparked by Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis.

The militant group took 251 people hostage, some of whom were released in previous agreements and some of whom were killed.

According to local officials, more than 67,000 people, mostly women and children, were killed in Israel’s subsequent military operation against Gaza.

The ongoing bombardment was declared genocide by a United Nations commission of inquiry; this finding was disputed by the Israeli government.