US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday evening that Israel and Hamas have signed the «first phase» of his plan for the release of all hostages and the end of the war in Gaza.
«This means that all hostages will be released soon, and Israel will withdraw [its] troops to an agreed line as the first steps towards a lasting, enduring, and eternal peace», — Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.
The US President told Fox News that all hostages are likely to be released on Monday. Two sources familiar with the negotiations previously told The Times of Israel that Hamas would release all remaining hostages alive as early as Saturday. It is believed that 20 of the 48 remaining hostages are alive. The bodies of the killed hostages, which the terrorists can find, will also be handed over.
Hamas reported that nearly 2000 people will be released as part of the agreement, including 250 serving life sentences. Currently, Israeli negotiators in Egypt are working on the final list of prisoners to be released
The agreement will be officially signed today at noon in Egypt, sources told the publication, adding that the main issues in the Gaza negotiations have been resolved, with only procedural matters remaining.
Photo: AFP