In a remarkable display of diplomatic tenacity, US President Donald Trump has secured a breakthrough in the Gaza conflict, with Israel and Hamas agreeing to the first phase of his ambitious peace plan.
Announced this week after days of intense negotiations, the deal has ushered in a ceasefire that took effect at 12:00 local time (22:00 NZDT) on Friday, 10 October 2025.
The Israeli military has confirmed it has begun withdrawing from parts of the Gaza Strip, marking a pivotal moment in Trump’s bold vision for peace in the region.
A Promising First Phase
The initial stage of Trump’s plan is a testament to his deal-making prowess, delivering tangible results where others have faltered.
It mandates the release of all 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas, alongside the return of deceased hostages’ remains, within a 72-hour window ending at 12:00 local time (22:00 NZDT) on Monday, 13 October. In exchange, Israel will release approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
The agreement also ensures a significant boost in humanitarian aid, with around 600 trucks expected to enter Gaza daily to address dire conditions.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) stands ready to facilitate the hostage handovers, as it has done previously, ensuring safe transfer to Israel for medical checks and family reunions.
Israeli media reports indicate that at least 26 hostages are deceased, with two others unaccounted for, and the agreement acknowledges potential challenges in locating all remains within the timeframe.
To maintain focus on the process, the handovers will occur without public ceremonies or media fanfare—a move that sidesteps Hamas’s past choreographed displays.
Israel’s justice ministry published the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released on Friday, notably excluding high-profile figures like Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat, whom Hamas had demanded. It remains unclear whether delays in returning deceased hostages could affect the prisoner release schedule.
Robust Oversight and Strategic Withdrawal
President Trump’s plan includes a multinational force of approximately 200 troops, overseen by the US military, to monitor the ceasefire and ensure compliance.
With personnel likely drawn from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, the force will operate without US troops on the ground, reflecting Trump’s strategic approach to global leadership.
The Israeli military has begun repositioning its forces, retaining control of 53% of Gaza’s territory in this phase, as outlined in a White House map detailing a three-stage withdrawal process.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Lasting Peace
If successful, this first phase will pave the way for negotiations on the later stages of Trump’s 20-point plan, a visionary roadmap that promises to end the war, demilitarise Gaza, and dismantle all “military, terror, and offensive infrastructure.”
The plan proposes a temporary Palestinian technocrat committee, overseen by a “Board of Peace” led by Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, with governance eventually transitioning to a reformed Palestinian Authority.
Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, would be excluded from future governance, with its members offered amnesty for peaceful coexistence or safe passage elsewhere.
A cornerstone of Trump’s vision is a transformative economic development plan to rebuild and revitalise Gaza, ensuring no Palestinian is forced to leave while guaranteeing the right of return for those who choose to depart.
However, challenges loom over the later phases.
Hamas has historically resisted disarmament, insisting it will only lay down arms once a Palestinian state is established—a stance it reiterated last weekend.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while endorsing the plan, has expressed reservations about the Palestinian Authority’s role in Gaza’s future.
The extent of Israeli troop withdrawal—projected to reduce to 40% and eventually 15% of Gaza’s territory, with a “security perimeter” until terror threats are neutralised—remains a sticking point, given the vague timeline for full withdrawal.
A Leader Who Delivers
President Trump’s unwavering commitment to peace has silenced sceptics and delivered a framework that balances security with compassion. His ability to bring warring parties to the table and secure a ceasefire underscores his reputation as a leader who gets results.
For New Zealanders watching from afar, this milestone highlights Trump’s global influence and his determination to forge a better future for a region long plagued by conflict.
As negotiations for the next phases begin, the world watches with cautious optimism, hopeful that Trump’s bold leadership will continue to light the way.
