WASHINGTON ( The COW News Digital) Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social that Israel has agreed to an initial withdrawal line following recent negotiations. The move, he said, marks a significant step toward a ceasefire in Gaza, contingent upon confirmation from the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.
Trump explained that once Hamas formally acknowledges the agreement, a ceasefire will take immediate effect. In addition, arrangements for the exchange of hostages and prisoners will commence under the terms of the deal. “Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, and Hamas has been informed,” Trump wrote. “After Hamas confirms, the ceasefire will be effective right away, and exchanges will begin.”
The development comes just days after Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, urging the group to act quickly or risk losing the terms outlined in the proposal. “Hamas needs to move fast, or all conditions will be off the table,” Trump cautioned in an earlier statement.
This agreement is linked to Trump’s proposed 20-point Gaza peace plan, which Hamas has largely accepted but with notable reservations. While the group indicated broad support, it rejected specific provisions — particularly the suggested involvement of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as a mediator.
Egyptian media reports that indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel are scheduled to take place on Sunday and Monday. These talks are expected to iron out critical details, especially those concerning the phased release of hostages and detainees. Observers note that the Egyptian and Qatari governments have played a quiet but vital role in facilitating communication between the parties.
Analysts say Trump’s announcement signals a potential breakthrough, though skepticism remains. Previous attempts at negotiating truces between Israel and Hamas have often faltered at the implementation stage, either due to disagreements over territorial withdrawals or disputes regarding prisoner exchanges.
Still, Trump’s plan has drawn international attention for its comprehensive framework, which includes measures on security, humanitarian aid, and governance in Gaza. The former U.S. president has promoted it as the most practical pathway to ending hostilities, though critics argue that it leans heavily toward Israeli interests.
For now, the focus shifts to Hamas’s official response and whether both sides will maintain their commitments in the coming days. If successful, the deal could mark the most meaningful progress toward peace in Gaza in years.
