A moment of profound relief and emotion unfolded as families of Israeli hostages welcomed US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of his 20-point peace plan, aiming to pause hostilities in Gaza and secure the release of hostages and prisoners. Tears, gratitude, and cautious optimism marked the reactions of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, who gathered in Washington to greet the news with a mixture of excitement and concern, pledging to continue advocacy until all 48 hostages are safely returned.
Trump’s announcement on Wednesday came a day after the second anniversary of Hamas’s unprecedented attack that had ignited Israel’s devastating military response in Gaza. In a post on Truth Social, the President expressed pride in the agreement, stating that Israel and Hamas had both endorsed the first phase of the plan, which includes an immediate hostage release and Israeli troop withdrawal to a pre-agreed line. He described the development as “a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, all surrounding nations, and the United States of America,” while also acknowledging the crucial mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey that facilitated the historic breakthrough.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas has indicated that the remaining living hostages will be handed over within 72 hours of Israeli government approval. In response, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed both relief and urgency, emphasizing that any delay in formal approval could jeopardize the safety of the hostages. In statements and video messages, the advocacy group praised President Trump for his “courage” and leadership, celebrating the progress while vowing to continue their efforts until all captives are safely reunited with their families.
Following the announcement, Hamas confirmed its commitment to the ceasefire and the hostage-prisoner exchange while urging the US and guarantor states to ensure Israel’s full compliance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, affirming that, with divine guidance, all hostages would be returned and announcing plans to convene his government to formally approve the agreement. Israeli officials projected that the release process could begin as early as Saturday.
The breakthrough resulted from intensive mediation efforts in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, involving senior envoys from the US, Qatar, and Turkey. Trump dispatched his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, while Israel was represented by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close advisor to Netanyahu. The hostilities that followed the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack had led to catastrophic consequences in Gaza, with UN figures reporting over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, including more than 18,000 children, and widespread injuries and displacement affecting nearly the entire population of the enclave. The recent agreement thus represents a pivotal step toward humanitarian relief and potential stabilization in the region.
