“This is a great day for Israel,” Netanyahu said in a statement from his office. “Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home.”By World Israel News StaffIn a stunning announcement late Wednesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement under the framework of his peace plan — a deal that, if carried out, would lead to the release of all hostages “very soon” and mark the beginning of a new phase in the Gaza war.Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, saying that “all of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line.” He described the deal as the first step toward what he called a “strong, durable, and everlasting peace” between Israel and its enemies.The agreement reportedly represents the first phase of Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, which outlines a process for a ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the eventual creation of a new governing body in the Strip. According to multiple sources, both sides have exchanged lists of hostages and prisoners in preparation for the initial release, which could take place within days.While details remain fluid, Israeli officials are said to have approved the release of approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, along with 1,700 detainees arrested in Gaza after October 7th. In exchange, Hamas would release every remaining hostage still held in the enclave — both living captives and, reportedly, the remains of those who were killed in captivity.For Israel, the announcement carries immense emotional and political weight. Families of hostages have been holding daily vigils outside the Knesset for months, demanding that the government prioritize the return of their loved ones. Trump’s statement raised cautious hope that an end to their agony may finally be near.At the same time, the deal faces serious skepticism on both sides. In Israel, many question whether Hamas can be trusted to uphold its commitments. Several cabinet ministers have already voiced opposition to any arrangement that includes the release of terrorists responsible for deadly attacks. Within Hamas, there are divisions between political leaders in Qatar and the group’s military command inside Gaza, which could complicate implementation.International mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, are said to have played a crucial role in bridging final gaps between the parties, with negotiations accelerating over the past week. Reports indicate that under the plan, Israeli troops will begin a partial withdrawal from certain areas of northern Gaza once the first hostages are confirmed released, though key positions along the border will remain under Israeli control for now.Humanitarian and logistical concerns also loom large. Large sections of Gaza remain devastated by months of war, and any sustained ceasefire will require massive coordination to provide aid, restore power, and prevent renewed fighting. The question of who will govern Gaza after the deal remains unresolved — a sticking point that may determine whether the agreement leads to real peace or merely a temporary pause.Still, the possibility of a full hostage release represents a profound development after two years since the October 7th massacre. “This is a great day for Israel,” Netanyahu said in a statement from his office. “Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home.”The prime minister expressed deep gratitude to Israel’s security forces, saying, “I thank the brave IDF soldiers and all the security personnel — it is thanks to their courage and sacrifice that we have reached this day.”Netanyahu also extended his “heartfelt thanks” to U.S. President Donald Trump and his team “for their dedication to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages.”“With God’s help,” he concluded, “we will continue to achieve all our goals and expand peace with our neighbors.”The post Trump announces Israel-Hamas deal, says ‘all hostages will be released very soon’ appeared first on World Israel News.