WASHINGTON D.C. Oct 4, 2025– President Trump, announced a significant step forward in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas on Saturday, stating that Israel has agreed to an initial troop withdrawal line in Gaza, paving the way for an immediate hostage and prisoner exchange upon confirmation from the militant group.
In a post on X, Trump detailed the development, crediting ongoing negotiations for the agreement. “After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas,” Trump wrote. “When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal, which will bring us close to the end of this 3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE. Thank you for your attention to this matter and, STAY TUNED!”
The announcement comes amid heightened U.S. involvement in brokering a peace deal, with Trump personally pushing for an end to the conflict that reignited earlier this year following a fragile truce. Accompanying the post was a map outlining the proposed initial withdrawal zones in Gaza, marking areas around key locations such as Beit Hanoun, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Deir al-Balah, with distances noted in meters to delineate the phased pullback.
This breakthrough aligns with recent reports of Hamas signaling willingness to release all remaining Israeli hostages—estimated at around 48, with about 20 believed to be alive—as part of a broader U.S.-proposed plan.
However, tensions remain high, as Israeli strikes continued in Gaza overnight, killing at least 70 people despite Trump’s public urging for an immediate halt to the bombardment.
Mediators, including U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari officials, are set to resume talks in Egypt next week, with warnings that Hamas’s internal divisions could complicate implementation.
Trump’s intervention marks a personal diplomatic push since his inauguration in January, framing the conflict as a “3,000-year catastrophe” in reference to the historical Jewish-Palestinian tensions. The proposed phased withdrawal—starting with northern and central Gaza corridors—aims to build trust and lead to a full Israeli disengagement, though critics warn of potential security risks for Israel.
Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim confirmed receipt of the withdrawal map but declined immediate comment on verification, stating only that “further consultations are underway.” International observers, including the United Nations, have welcomed the momentum but stressed the need for humanitarian access to avert further civilian suffering.
As the world watches, Trump’s call to “STAY TUNED” underscores the fragility of the moment, with both sides under pressure to deliver on promises amid a death toll exceeding 40,000 since the war’s escalation in March. Updates are expected as confirmation from Hamas arrives.