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U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that Israel has agreed to an initial withdrawal line in Gaza and is awaiting Hamas confirmation to implement an immediate ceasefire and begin prisoner exchanges, marking what could be the end of the nearly two-year conflict.
"After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. "When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin."
Israeli forces have already begun shifting operations in anticipation of the agreement. As of Saturday morning, the Israeli military moved to defensive positions in Gaza and ceased airstrikes beyond those required for force protection, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed he had suspended Israel's offensive to "prepare for the immediate implementation of the first phase of the Trump Plan for the immediate release of all hostages."
The development comes after intensive diplomatic efforts involving Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom Trump credited as instrumental in advancing negotiations. According to Trump, Erdogan was "very helpful" in pressing Hamas leadership to move forward with hostage releases.
"Erdogan helped a lot. He is a tough guy, but he is a friend of mine and he was great," Trump told Axios earlier.
A U.S. official revealed that Trump had specifically requested Erdogan's intervention during a Friday phone call, telling the Turkish president: "I did a lot for you and now I need you to do this."
White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner were traveling to Egypt on Saturday to finalize technical details of the hostage release "and discuss the lasting peace deal," according to a White House official.
Egypt has confirmed it will host new indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas on Sunday to address prisoner exchange details under Trump's plan. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the talks will focus on "field conditions and details of the exchange process for all Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners."
Netanyahu said Saturday he instructed his negotiating team to head to Egypt for "a limited number of days," expressing hope that "in the coming days we will be able to announce the return of all our hostages – alive and dead – in one batch."
Hamas indicated Friday its readiness to release all Israeli captives and expressed willingness to transfer Gaza administration to a technocratic Palestinian authority backed by Arab and Islamic states.
Trump characterized the conflict as a "3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE" and indicated that successful implementation would create conditions for subsequent withdrawal phases. The president emphasized broad international support for his initiative, telling Axios: "We had great receptivity for our plan — every country of the world in favor."
The conflict has resulted in more than 67,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials, with most casualties being civilians. Israeli estimates indicate 48 captives remain in Gaza, including 20 believed alive, while Israel holds approximately 11,100 Palestinian prisoners.
Trump's 20-point peace plan, unveiled Sept. 29, calls for captive releases within 72 hours of Israeli approval, a ceasefire, and Hamas disarmament. The announcement represents the most concrete progress toward ending the war that began with Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.
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