Trump Declares Middle East Peace Deal ‘Very Close’ Following Note from Marco Rubio
In a significant announcement, US President Donald Trump revealed that both Israel and Hamas have "signed off" on the initial phase of a peace plan for Gaza. Trump shared this update on Truth Social, stating, "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."
This breakthrough follows three days of indirect negotiations held in Egypt, facilitated by officials from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States. Both Israel and Hamas have confirmed that an agreement has been reached, although Trump’s statement did not clarify unresolved issues, such as Hamas disarmament and the future governance of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism in a post on X, describing it as a "great day." He announced plans to convene the government to ratify the agreement and ensure the safe return of hostages. Hamas also acknowledged the agreement, which includes an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a proposed hostage-prisoner exchange. The group urged Trump, the guarantor nations, and other Arab states to ensure Israel adheres to the agreement’s stipulations.
A senior official from the White House informed CBS, a partner of the BBC, that "our assessment is that hostages will begin getting released on Monday." Qatari Foreign Minister Majed al-Ansari added that further details would be disclosed soon, emphasizing that the agreement aims to end the ongoing conflict, secure the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and facilitate humanitarian aid.
Earlier on Wednesday, anticipation for an imminent deal surged when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed Trump a note during an event. The note appeared to encourage Trump to post on Truth Social about Gaza, indicating "we are very close to a deal." Trump subsequently exited the room, stating he needed to focus on the Middle East situation.
Recent reports from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry indicate a decrease in casualties, with Israeli fire reportedly killing at least eight people over the past 24 hours—the lowest toll recorded in a week. Hospitals reported two fatalities as individuals attempted to gather food from aid distribution centers in central and southern Gaza.
In response to the ongoing conflict, the Israeli military announced that its forces had neutralized "several terrorists" who attempted to attack their positions in Gaza City. Israel initiated its military operation in Gaza following a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 individuals.
Since the onset of the conflict, Israeli military operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 67,183 individuals, including 20,179 children, according to the region’s health ministry. These figures are considered reliable by the United Nations and other international organizations, despite Israeli disputes.
Additionally, the health ministry reported that 460 individuals have died due to malnutrition since the war began, with 182 fatalities occurring after the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification confirmed a famine in Gaza City in August. Netanyahu has consistently denied claims of starvation in Gaza, asserting that Israel is facilitating the delivery of food and aid.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation and its implications for peace in the Middle East.
