President Donald Trump informed families of Israeli hostages that their loved ones will return home Monday following an agreement between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of a peace deal.
The announcement came late Wednesday night as the two sides agreed to pause fighting and proceed with hostage and prisoner releases.
Trump posted on Truth Social that all hostages will be released soon and Israel will withdraw troops to an agreed-upon line as initial steps toward lasting peace.
Qatar, working alongside Egypt and Turkey as mediators, characterized the agreement as the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal intended to end the war.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the news as a moment of profound relief felt worldwide.
The deal involves Hamas releasing all 20 remaining living hostages in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, while Israeli military forces will withdraw from most of Gaza.
During a phone call Wednesday night with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump spoke directly with families of the captives.
When Lutnick asked the families what they wanted to tell the president, a dozen people responded in unison with thanks.
Family members expressed gratitude and faith in Trump’s commitment to bringing all 48 hostages home.
One family member told Trump they believed in his efforts since before his presidency and trusted he would complete the mission.
The family member repeated Trump’s own words back to him, saying “Blessed be the peacemakers.”
Trump’s Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to arrive in Israel Thursday.
The deal arrives just two days after the second anniversary of Oct. 7, when Hamas launched attacks on Israel that killed nearly 1,200 people and resulted in approximately 250 hostages being taken into Gaza.
Currently, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.
Trump stated he believed all hostages, including deceased individuals, will return Monday. Hamas indicated it continues searching for some of the deceased hostages in the Strip.
A taskforce comprising representatives from Israel, the United States, Egypt and Qatar has been established to locate missing deceased hostages, working with ground forces in the enclave.
The prisoner-hostage exchange is expected within 72 hours of the Israeli government vote ratifying the deal Thursday afternoon.
Trump told television host Sean Hannity Wednesday night that the world coming together helped forge the landmark agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Trump characterized the development as more than just Gaza, calling it peace in the Middle East.
He declared it a great day for the world and envisioned a prosperous future for the war-torn region.
The president emphasized that every country has united on this issue, describing it as a fantastic and wonderful day for everyone.
Trump said Gaza will become a peaceful and safer place, with the United States remaining involved to ensure safety and prosperity.
He noted that wealthy countries in the region will assist with reconstruction.
Trump confirmed speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday night, recounting that Netanyahu expressed disbelief about the agreement.
“I can’t believe it,” Netanyahu said, according to the president’s retelling.
The president told Netanyahu that Israel cannot fight the world, adding that the Israeli leader understands that principle.
Trump explained that other regional countries will help rebuild Gaza while the United States maintains involvement in peacekeeping efforts.
He confirmed the 20 living hostages will likely be released Monday.
The Daily Mail reported that the peace deal announcement came just two days before the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner announcement, with the formal ceremony scheduled for December 10 in Oslo, Norway.
Trump has long pursued the prize as a presidential ambition.
He credited his tariff program as contributing to the peace deal, stating that tariffs have brought peace to the world and provide a path to saving millions of lives.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that both Israel and Hamas signed off on the first phase of his proposed peace deal, representing a substantial step in ending the Gaza war.
He stated all hostages will be released soon and Israel will withdraw troops to an agreed line as first steps toward strong, durable and everlasting peace.
Trump thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for their work on the historic event.
Netanyahu said the government will convene Thursday to ratify the deal and expressed anticipation for hostage releases.
The deal will be formally signed Thursday around midday in Egypt, according to a source familiar with the agreement.
A Hamas official said negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire would begin immediately, the Daily Mail further noted.
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