Trump Announces Initial Phase of Israel-Hamas Peace Agreement

During a meeting with conservative influencers on October 8, President Donald Trump received a note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating the need to approve a social media post regarding a forthcoming Middle East peace agreement. The note, captured by photographers, read: "You need to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first."

Addressing the attendees, Trump stated, "I was just given a note by the secretary of state saying that we're very close to a deal on the Middle East, and they're gonna need me pretty quickly. So we'll take a couple of more questions."

Later that evening, Trump announced on Truth Social that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a peace plan. The agreement includes the release of all hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to a predetermined line, aiming for a "strong, durable, and everlasting peace." He expressed gratitude to mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their roles in facilitating the deal.

The agreement awaits approval from Israel's security cabinet to become official. The initial phase focuses on the release of hostages taken by Hamas during an October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.

Trump has been actively involved in brokering the deal and has taken a firm stance against Hamas, describing the group as a "ruthless and violent threat" in the Middle East. He emphasized that if the agreement is not reached, severe consequences would follow, stating, "If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas."