Just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had signed the first phase of a peace agreement, Israel launched a fresh wave of airstrikes across Gaza on the night of October 9.
The renewed bombardment came despite earlier hopes that the deal would signal a turning point in the two-year conflict.
The sudden escalation has cast serious doubt on the implementation of the peace plan and raised fears of a return to full-scale hostilities.
Earlier on Thursday, President Trump revealed that both sides had agreed to an initial framework involving the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, along with a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our peace plan,” Trump said in an official statement.
“This means that all of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.”
The U.S. president credited the diplomatic efforts of mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, calling the agreement a major breakthrough toward regional stability.
He also expressed hope that the deal could lead to broader reconciliation in the Middle East.
“This is a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, all surrounding nations, and the United States of America,” Trump declared. “Blessed are the peacemakers!”
However, the new Israeli airstrikes quickly tempered that optimism.
While some regional analysts viewed the offensive as a response to renewed rocket fire from Gaza militants, others warned it could undermine the fragile peace framework before it has a chance to take hold.
The first phase of the agreement was designed to build mutual trust through prisoner exchanges and limited military withdrawals, laying the groundwork for longer-term negotiations.
President Trump had suggested he might visit the region to support further discussions, but the unexpected escalation could now complicate those plans.
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