President Donald Trump announced Wednesday night that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a “landmark peace deal,” calling it “a historic step toward peace in the Middle East.”
The president made the announcement during an exclusive interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity.
Trump described the agreement as a breakthrough that had eluded world leaders for decades.
“So many countries that you wouldn’t have thought of have come together,” Trump said.
“It’s been so great for Israel, so great for Muslims, for the Arab countries — and so great for the United States of America.
“This is more than Gaza — this is peace in the Middle East.”
Leaders on both sides have described the agreement as transformative
The deal includes the release of all 20 remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas as early as this weekend, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from much of Gaza in the initial phase.
Global Praise
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the development as both a moral and diplomatic victory.
“With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home,” Netanyahu said.
“This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel.”
Netanyahu continued by thanking his “great friend and ally, President Trump,” for helping bring the agreement across the finish line.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog echoed that gratitude, posting on X that Trump would be welcomed in Israel “with immense respect, affection, and gratitude by the people of Israel” should he visit in the coming days.
Herzog called the deal “a chance to mend, to heal, and to open a new horizon of hope for our region.”
At the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres also praised the breakthrough.
“I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza,” he said.
“The United Nations will support full implementation and recovery efforts.
“This momentous opportunity must not be lost.”
A Diplomatic Turning Point
The Israel Defense Forces celebrated the deal in a statement, calling it “the signing of the agreement for the return of the hostages, which was signed overnight.”
Trump emphasized the historic nature of the agreement, noting that peace in the Middle East has long been considered impossible.
“Many years they talked about peace in the Middle East — now it’s happening,” he said.
The agreement is already being described by observers as a turning point in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts, with both allies and adversaries acknowledging the gravity of the breakthrough.
A Contrast with Failed Efforts
For decades, U.S. presidents and international coalitions have failed to deliver meaningful progress between Israel and its enemies.
Trump, however, built on his prior record, including the Abraham Accords, to deliver a deal that both sides have formally signed.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and GOP leaders have said Trump deserves recognition, with some calling for him to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) argued that the achievement was so extraordinary that it should spark a movement to repeal presidential term limits, allowing Trump to continue leading the nation.
“The Nobel Peace Prize isn’t enough,” Fine said.
“If every living hostage is returned and lasting peace in the Middle East is secured, we should repeal the 22nd Amendment and thank the Lord for every day Donald Trump can be our President.
“There will never be another one like him.”
Looking Ahead
The deal, while just entering its first phase, has been heralded as a new beginning.
Hostages are set to return home within days, and military withdrawals could transform the conflict landscape.
The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has claimed more than 67,000 civilians have been killed since the war began.
However, the figure has not been independently verified, and the Ministry conflates Hamas terrorists with civilians in the data.
Trump and Netanyahu both stressed that peace will not only bring relief to Israel but also to civilians in Gaza who have suffered under Hamas rule.
“This is a great day for peace,” Trump said.
“The whole world came together, and this will change history.”
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