Hamas Agrees to Release Israeli Hostages, End Gaza War Under Trump’s Peace Plan

Published October 5, 2025

President Donald Trump announced on October 4, 2025, that Israel has agreed to an “initial withdrawal line” in Gaza, a significant step in the ongoing peace negotiations. This development, shared with Hamas, sets the stage for a ceasefire and the commencement of a hostage and prisoner exchange. Trump emphasized that upon Hamas’s confirmation, the ceasefire would be immediately effective, marking a potential end to what he described as a “3,000-year catastrophe”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for the plan, acknowledging the challenges ahead but viewing this agreement as a critical move toward peace. The international community remains cautiously optimistic, awaiting Hamas’s response to finalize the ceasefire and initiate the subsequent phases of withdrawal and reconstruction.

Public / Political Reactions

President Donald Trump’s announcement that Israel has agreed to an “initial withdrawal line” in Gaza has elicited a range of reactions from various stakeholders.

🇺🇸 United States

• Political Figures: Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that the plan closely resembles efforts initiated during the Biden administration, suggesting continuity in U.S. foreign policy regarding the region.

• Public Sentiment: A Gallup poll conducted in November 2023 revealed that 50% of Americans supported Israel’s actions in Gaza, while 45% disapproved. This indicates a nation divided on the issue, reflecting the complexity of public opinion regarding the conflict.

🇮🇱 Israel

• Government: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the plan, viewing it as a critical step towards peace. However, he emphasized the necessity of disarming Hamas and maintaining Israeli security control in Gaza.

• Opposition: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the plan, labeling it a “historic missed opportunity” that could lead to renewed conflict. Conversely, opposition leader Benny Gantz lauded Trump’s efforts, advocating for the plan’s implementation to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens.

🌍 International Community

• European Union: Spain and Ireland have rejected any plans that would involve the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, reaffirming their commitment to a two-state solution and the territorial integrity of Palestinian lands.

• Middle East: Countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey have expressed reservations about the plan, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive resolution that includes the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

🇵🇸 Gaza

• Public Opinion: Gazans exhibit a mix of hope and skepticism. While some express cautious optimism about the potential for peace, others remain wary, citing the failure of past ceasefires and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

• Hamas: The group has agreed to release hostages and end the war but has not committed to disarmament, indicating that significant hurdles remain in the peace process.

Resulting Effects of Israel agreeing to the initial withdrawal line in Gaza under Trump’s peace plan:

🏙️ Humanitarian Effects

• Immediate relief for civilians: If Hamas confirms the ceasefire, airstrikes and bombardments are expected to halt, reducing civilian casualties.

• Aid delivery: Humanitarian assistance can begin flowing more safely, addressing urgent needs such as food, water, and medical care.

• Infrastructure recovery: The ceasefire creates a window for preliminary reconstruction of critical facilities like hospitals, schools, and water systems, although widespread destruction remains a major challenge.

🛡️ Security and Military Effects

• De-escalation of hostilities: A confirmed withdrawal line would significantly reduce frontline clashes between the IDF and Hamas forces.

• Hostage and prisoner exchanges: The agreement paves the way for negotiated releases, potentially improving trust and reducing tensions.

• Hamas disarmament uncertainties: While hostilities may pause, Hamas has not agreed to full disarmament, leaving a latent risk of renewed conflict.

⚖️ Political and Regional Effects

• Israeli politics: Netanyahu gains political leverage for moving toward peace, but internal factions remain concerned about security risks and territorial concessions.

• Palestinian governance: Hamas’s partial cooperation opens the door to a technocratic administration, though major governance and sovereignty issues remain unresolved.

• Regional diplomacy: Arab nations, the EU, and the UN are closely monitoring developments, which could strengthen international mediation and influence long-term peace negotiations.

💰 Economic Effects

• Temporary economic stabilization: Reduced hostilities allow limited trade, aid delivery, and local business activity to resume.

• Long-term reconstruction costs: Gaza’s economic recovery will require extensive international funding due to widespread destruction of homes, roads, and utilities.

 Future Outlook

1. Short-Term Prospects

   • Ceasefire implementation: If Hamas confirms the withdrawal line, hostilities may halt immediately, reducing civilian casualties and creating a temporary window for stabilization.

   • Humanitarian relief: Aid agencies can deliver food, water, and medical support more effectively, easing immediate suffering in Gaza.

2. Medium-Term Challenges

   • Governance and control: Hamas has not agreed to full disarmament, and the establishment of a technocratic administration is still uncertain. Effective governance and security management in Gaza will be crucial.

   • Political tensions in Israel: Netanyahu must navigate internal debates over the withdrawal and security assurances, which could delay further implementation phases.

   • Regional and international oversight: Continued engagement from Arab nations, the UN, and other international actors will be needed to ensure compliance and build confidence.

3. Long-Term Uncertainty

   • Sustainable peace: The ceasefire and withdrawal line offer a starting point but do not address core issues like Palestinian sovereignty, refugee return, and long-term security guarantees.

   • Risk of renewed conflict: Any failure to adhere to agreements, delays in reconstruction, or resurgence of violence could reverse progress and destabilize the region.

   • Economic recovery: Gaza’s reconstruction and economic revival will require years of consistent aid and infrastructure rebuilding, contingent on political stability.

 Bottom Line:

President Trump’s facilitation of Israel’s initial withdrawal line in Gaza underscores decisive American leadership and the potential for meaningful progress in a conflict long marked by stagnation. By pressuring Hamas to comply and prioritizing Israel’s security, the plan demonstrates that peace can be achieved when strength and diplomacy are applied simultaneously.

While challenges remain—including Hamas’s reluctance to fully disarm and the ongoing humanitarian crisis—the steps taken so far signal a shift toward accountability and order in the region. The initiative affirms the principle that lasting peace is possible when adversaries are confronted with firm yet fair conditions, rather than endless concessions.

Trump’s approach reinforces the notion that supporting Israel and holding hostile actors responsible is both morally right and strategically effective, offering a roadmap for future U.S. engagement in the Middle East.

SOURCES: FOX NEWS – Trump announces Israel agrees to Gaza ‘initial withdrawal line’ as ‘3,000 year catastrophe’ nears end

BBC NEWS – Hope and fear for hostage families after Hamas response to Gaza peace plan