Netanyahu agrees to U.S. plan to end war in Gaza, no agreement yet from Hamas | CBC News
In what could mark a historic turning point, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Israel has agreed to an “initial withdrawal line” in Gaza, paving the way for a ceasefire and a hostage-prisoner exchange.
According to Trump, the plan — already shared with Hamas — will take effect immediately once Hamas confirms. The agreement would see Israeli hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, and the start of a phased withdrawal aimed at ending what Trump called a “3,000-year catastrophe.”
“After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas. When Hamas confirms, the ceasefire will be immediately effective, and the hostages and prisoner exchange will begin,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“This will bring us close to the end of this 3,000-year catastrophe. Stay tuned!”
Trump also posted a map showing the proposed withdrawal zones.
Netanyahu: “On the Verge of a Great Achievement”
Earlier the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was “on the verge of a very great achievement.” He hinted that the deal could bring home all hostages, both living and deceased, possibly during the Sukkot holiday.
Netanyahu explained that the first phase involves Hamas releasing all hostages while the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reposition but maintain control of key strategic points inside Gaza.
He added that Israel and the U.S. will work together to prevent any stalling or manipulation by Hamas. A delegation led by Minister Ron Dermer will head to Egypt to finalize the technical details in the coming days.
Next Steps: Disarmament and Demilitarization
The second stage of the plan aims to disarm Hamas and demilitarize the Gaza Strip, either through diplomacy or, if necessary, by force.
“Either it will be achieved the easy way, or the hard way — but it will be achieved,” Netanyahu said firmly.
He also thanked Trump for his “steadfast support,” particularly for assisting in targeting Iran’s nuclear site at Fordo with B2 bombers.
A Potential Turning Point
If finalized, this agreement could mark the most significant breakthrough in the Israel-Gaza conflict in decades. Both leaders expressed hope that this plan could not only end the current war but also reshape the future of the Middle East.
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