"I am proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have approved Phase One of our peace plan. This means all hostages will soon be released, and Israel will withdraw its troops to agreed-upon borders. These are the initial steps towards a lasting and permanent peace", US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on 8/10.

"All parties will be treated fairly. Today is a momentous day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, neighboring countries, and the US. We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their cooperation in making this historic and unprecedented event possible," he added.

Trump announced in late September a 20-point plan aimed at ending hostilities in Gaza. The plan garnered support from Israel and many Arab and Muslim nations.

The plan mandates a ceasefire, the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip within 72 hours of an agreement, the disarmament of Hamas, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory. A post-conflict transitional administration would be overseen by a "Peace Council", chaired by Trump.

Nhu Tam (Reuters, AFP)