Trump claims Israel agrees to initial Gaza withdrawal line, ceasefire hinges on Hamas response

US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel has agreed to an “initial withdrawal line” in Gaza following backchannel negotiations, and that the proposal has already been shared with Hamas. According to Trump, the ceasefire will take effect immediately once Hamas confirms the arrangement, paving the way for a hostage and prisoner exchange.

“After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas. When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective, the Hostages and Prisoner Exchange will begin, and we will create the conditions for the next phase of withdrawal, which will bring us close to the end of this 3,000 YEAR CATASTROPHE. Thank you for your attention to this matter and, STAY TUNED!” Trump posted on his Truth Social account.

The announcement comes as Gaza continues to face heavy Israeli strikes. On October 3, during a media tour organized by the Israeli army, journalists documented plumes of smoke rising above Gaza City after airstrikes. Local health authorities reported dozens of casualties on Saturday, underscoring the fragile nature of ongoing talks.

Trump’s statement followed a stern warning he issued to Hamas earlier in the day. He praised Israel for temporarily halting bombing operations to provide space for negotiations but cautioned Hamas against delays. “Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off. I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen, or any outcome where Gaza poses a threat again. Let’s get this done, FAST. Everyone will be treated fairly!” Trump wrote.

The new US-brokered ceasefire plan appears to have tentative support from both Israel and Hamas, raising cautious optimism about ending the conflict and securing the release of all hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he hopes to announce the release of captives “in the coming days.”

Indirect negotiations are expected to resume in Egypt on Monday. However, key uncertainties remain, particularly regarding Hamas’s full acceptance of the deal and how Israel’s security concerns will be addressed. Netanyahu has already clarified that Israel will not agree to a complete withdrawal from Gaza, signaling that the final shape of any agreement may still face hurdles.

Despite these challenges, the latest developments suggest that Washington’s mediation has opened a potential pathway to ceasefire — though the violence on the ground continues to exact a heavy toll.