Trump: Israel and Hamas agree to first phase of his peace plan

Geopolitical Developments - President Trump announced Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first stage of a peace plan to end the war in Gaza [1] - The agreement entails the release of all hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops [1] - President Trump may travel to the region this weekend [1] - Qatar is confirming the deal [2] Hostage Situation - Approximately 20 living hostages are believed to be held in Gaza [3] - Hostages have been held for 2 years [3] - Hostages were kept in tunnels 100 ft deep, in small groups, and barely given any food [4] - The Red Cross has facilitated transfers in the past [4] - Hostages could be coming home this weekend [5] Negotiation Details - Secretary of State Marco Rubio interrupted the president to inform him of the deal [2][6] - The president announced a 20-point peace plan last week [7] - Phase two and three of the agreement will address who will be in charge of Gaza and when that will start [10] - Aid and construction materials can start flowing into Gaza, and potentially a new government can take over once the hostages are out and Israeli troops pull back [11] - Hamas has stated it will no longer run the Gaza Strip [11]