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“Blessed are the peacemakers”: Trump announces Israel, Hamas agreement on “peace plan”

The president said that both sides of the war in Gaza have taken a step toward peace

Nights and Weekends Editor

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U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to sign the "No Men in Women's Sports" executive order in the East Room of the White House on February 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to sign the "No Men in Women's Sports" executive order in the East Room of the White House on February 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump shared on social media that representatives of Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first phase” of a “peace plan” framework to bring the war in Gaza to a close.

In a post to Truth Social, Trump said he was “very proud” to reveal the news of the tentative agreement.

“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,” he said.

The announcement came just one day after the second anniversary of a coordinated attack on Israel by Hamas militants, an incursion that kick-started the current wider war in Gaza. In his statement, the president promised that “all parties will be treated fairly” under the proposed deal and called the agreement a “historic and unprecedented event.”

“This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America,” he wrote. “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”

Hamas representatives announced their agreement with the basic outline of the peace plan earlier this month. Trump responded to that announcement with a call for Israel to cease bombing operations in Gaza.

“I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!” he wrote at the time. “This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”


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On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he looked forward to the return of hostages held by Hamas.

By Alex Galbraith

Alex Galbraith is Salon's nights and weekends editor, and author of our free daily newsletter, Crash Course. He is based in New Orleans.


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