U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday (October 4, 2025) announced that Israel has agreed to an “initial withdrawal line” for Gaza, signalling a possible breakthrough in the prolonged conflict. Trump said the proposed line has been shared with Hamas and that a ceasefire will take effect “immediately” once the militant group confirms its acceptance of the plan.

Trump announces step toward ceasefire

In a post shared on social media, President Trump said, “Israel has agreed to an initial withdrawal line for Gaza. The details have been communicated to Hamas. When Hamas confirms, a ceasefire will begin immediately, and a prisoner exchange will follow.” He added that this step would mark the start of the next phase of Israel’s phased withdrawal from Palestinian territory.

The statement comes after weeks of intense U.S. mediation aimed at ending hostilities that have ravaged Gaza since the conflict reignited earlier this year. Trump and his administration have held multiple rounds of negotiations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and with representatives of Qatar and Egypt, who have acted as intermediaries with Hamas.

A potential turning point in the conflict

If confirmed, this agreement would mark the first tangible sign of de-escalation since the latest wave of violence began. The proposed “initial withdrawal line” reportedly outlines the first zone Israel would vacate, allowing limited humanitarian access and administrative control to local Palestinian authorities under international supervision.

Trump did not provide details about the exact boundaries of the withdrawal line or the timeline for subsequent phases. However, U.S. officials have hinted that the initial step would cover parts of northern Gaza that have seen some of the heaviest fighting.

Prisoner exchange on the table

The president also indicated that a prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas would form part of the ceasefire’s first stage. While Trump did not specify the number of prisoners involved, sources familiar with the talks said the exchange could include Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian detainees from Israeli jails.

A successful swap could help build trust between both sides, potentially paving the way for broader political negotiations.

International response

Global leaders and international organisations cautiously welcomed Trump’s statement, though many called for verification and clarity on the terms. The United Nations said it “stands ready” to assist in monitoring and humanitarian coordination if a ceasefire takes effect. The European Union described the announcement as “an encouraging but fragile step,” urging both parties to “act in good faith.”

Meanwhile, regional actors such as Egypt and Qatar have intensified their diplomatic efforts to persuade Hamas to formally endorse the proposal. Reports suggest that Hamas’s political leadership in Doha is reviewing the details of the “initial withdrawal line” before issuing a response.

Long road ahead

Analysts note that while Trump’s announcement offers hope, challenges remain. Israel’s domestic political climate, divisions within Hamas, and the volatile situation on the ground could complicate implementation. Moreover, questions persist over who will govern vacated areas of Gaza and how long the withdrawal process will take.

Still, the statement marks a notable shift in tone after months of escalating violence and failed truce attempts. If the ceasefire and prisoner exchange materialise, it could set the stage for a broader peace framework in the region.

Conclusion

President Trump’s disclosure of an “initial withdrawal line” agreement with Israel represents a cautiously optimistic step toward ending the ongoing war in Gaza. The next few days will be critical, as Hamas’s response will determine whether the proposed ceasefire becomes a reality or remains another stalled attempt at peace.

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,  Gaza prisoner exchange details and timeline, Trump peace efforts Middle East crisis, Israel Hamas truce and phased withdrawal plan

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Donald Trump says Israel has agreed to an “initial withdrawal line” for Gaza and that a ceasefire will begin immediately once Hamas confirms the plan.

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