On Thursday, Israel and Hamas signed the “first phase” of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which is expected to pave the way for ending the war in the enclave and the release of all hostages held by Hamas, according to the peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump.

The announcement came in a post written by the U.S. President on the social media platform “Truth Social,” following several leaks from Hebrew media and hints from Trump himself that a ceasefire was imminent.

On the platform, Trump wrote: “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed the first phase of the peace plan we presented. This means all hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its forces to an agreed line as a first step toward a strong, sustainable, and everlasting peace. All parties will be treated fairly! It is a great day for the Arab and Islamic world, for Israel, for all neighboring 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.” He added: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Hamas issued a statement declaring that “after responsible and serious negotiations conducted by the movement and Palestinian resistance factions regarding President Trump’s proposal in Sharm El-Sheikh, aiming to reach a halt to the extermination war on our Palestinian people and the withdrawal of the occupation from Gaza, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announces reaching an agreement to end the war on Gaza, the withdrawal of the occupation, entry of aid, and prisoner exchange.”

The movement praised the efforts of mediators in Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt, stating it “appreciates Trump’s efforts” and called on him and the guarantor states to compel Israel to fully implement the agreement’s terms.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the agreement on the “X” platform as “a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel,” noting that “from the beginning, I made it clear that we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals are achieved.”

The Likud party leader added: “Through firm determination, strong military action, and the great efforts made by our friend and great ally President Trump, we have reached this critical moment.” He thanked the U.S. President and concluded by congratulating Israel, America, and their “great” alliance.