Live Updates: Will Hostage Release End the War?
The latest developments surrounding the Israel-Hamas agreement suggest cautious optimism, with international leaders weighing in on the path to peace and the next phases of the deal.
Israel-Hamas Deal: Hostage Release as the War's End Condition
Israel announced on Thursday that the "final version of the first phase" of the Trump plan has been signed by all parties. Crucially, the Israeli Foreign Minister stated that the release of all hostages "should put an end to this war."
This highlights the primary objective for Israel in moving forward with the agreement.
A symbolic image representing peace talks or the signing of an agreement.
Egypt's Pressure and a Nobel Nod for Trump
Egypt continues to play a pivotal role, with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi calling on Israel for "de-escalation or a ceasefire" until the full agreement is signed to avoid compromising its "spirit."
In a telephone conversation, Al-Sisi went a step further, telling his US counterpart, Donald Trump, that he believes he "deserves the Nobel Peace Prize" for his efforts in brokering the Gaza ceasefire. Al-Sisi also invited Trump to a ceremony in Egypt to celebrate the deal's success, emphasizing the need to move forward with implementing all its stages.
Trump Details Next Phases: Disarmament and Withdrawal
US President Donald Trump assured that a subsequent phase of the Gaza agreement would include "disarmament" and a "withdrawal" of troops, though the immediate priority remains the return of the remaining hostages. Trump acknowledged that the bodies of some hostages might be "a little difficult to find."
The US President confirmed he would "try" to travel to Egypt to attend the signing ceremony.
An image depicting a map of the region or a scene of diplomatic leaders.
International & Regional Support
- India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly congratulated his "friend" Donald Trump on the "success of the historic peace plan" in the Gaza Strip.
- Jordan: King Abdullah II hailed the ceasefire as a "key step to end the war," allowing Gazans to live safely and receive aid. He reaffirmed Jordan’s continued support for the Palestinian quest for freedom and an independent state on their national soil.
- Diplomacy: French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a meeting in Paris for the Foreign Ministers of the "European Quint," the "Arab Quint," the EU, Canada, and Turkey to discuss the ongoing situation.
The focus now shifts from negotiation to implementation, with regional and international eyes fixed on the successful and full release of the hostages.
