Israel Agrees to ‘Initial Withdrawal Line’ in Gaza, Hostage Release to Begin When Hamas Confirms Deal: Trump
President Donald Trump announced Saturday that Israel has agreed to an “initial withdrawal line” in Gaza, paving the way for a cease-fire and the beginning of a hostage exchange once Hamas confirms the agreement.
“After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas,” Trump posted on Truth Social. He said the move would mark “the end of this 3,000-year catastrophe,” presenting his peace initiative as the most sweeping attempt yet to end the long-running conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking earlier on Saturday, said he ordered his top negotiators — led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer — to travel to Egypt to finalize the technical details of the hostage release. “Our goal is to limit the negotiations to just a few days. Trump made it clear: We will not tolerate stalling tactics or evasions,” Netanyahu said.
According to the plan’s first phase, Hamas would begin releasing hostages while Israeli troops reposition along new lines inside Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will maintain control over what he described as “dominant areas deep inside the strip” to ensure Hamas cannot regroup.
The second phase of the deal calls for Hamas to disarm and for Gaza to be demilitarized, whether through diplomacy or, if necessary, by military force. Netanyahu argued that only sustained pressure — both militarily and diplomatically — had brought Hamas to the table. He credited coordination with Trump for isolating the terror group, saying, “This combination of American leadership and Israeli resilience has forced Hamas to face choices they never wanted to make.”
Trump, who issued Hamas an ultimatum earlier in the week to accept his 20-point peace plan or face devastating consequences, framed Israel’s acceptance of the withdrawal line as proof that momentum is shifting toward a comprehensive settlement. While Hamas has indicated readiness to release hostages and hand Gaza’s administration to an independent Palestinian body, the group has not yet accepted the broader disarmament and security requirements central to the Trump plan.
The coming days are expected to be decisive. If Hamas confirms the deal, hostages could begin to be released almost immediately, according to both U.S. and Israeli officials. If not, Trump has warned, “all HELL” could break out.