The War in Gaza is over: Trump Announces Israel–Hamas Ceasefire Deal and Plans Visit to Israel

U.S. President Donald Trump announced late Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of his administration’s plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which includes the release of all hostages and an Israeli military withdrawal to agreed lines.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote:

“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed the first phase of our peace plan. This means that all hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its forces to the agreed-upon line — as the first step toward a strong, stable, and lasting peace.
All parties will be treated fairly! This is a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, for Israel, for all surrounding countries, and for the United States of America. We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this historic and unprecedented event possible. Blessed are the peacemakers!”

Israeli officials confirmed Wednesday night that President Trump is expected to visit Israel next week following the signing of the agreement. According to government sources, he will address the Knesset and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of his trip.

Earlier in the evening, during a White House press conference, Trump appeared to receive breaking news on the developing agreement. While taking questions from reporters, Secretary of State Marco Rubio approached the president and handed him a note, whispering in his ear.
“I just received a note saying that we are close to a deal in the Middle East,” Trump told journalists, adding that he would “be needed in another room soon” to handle the matter. “I’m going to solve some things in the Middle East,” he said with a smile.

Later reports from the Associated Press and Sky News suggested the note was a request to approve the official post on Truth Social, allowing Trump to personally make the first public announcement of the deal.

Optimism has surged across Israel and the Arab world in the past 24 hours, with images circulating in Arab media showing negotiators from Israel, Hamas, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey smiling, shaking hands, and embracing after marathon talks.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said following Trump’s remarks that the president “will undergo routine tests tomorrow” and is “considering traveling to the Middle East shortly after that.”

Trump hinted at the upcoming trip earlier in the day, telling reporters, “I may be going to the Middle East this week — maybe on Sunday — to Egypt and other countries. They will need me soon. I will have to go.” Before leaving the briefing room, he added: “We’re going to solve things in the Middle East.”