The United States Agreed with Israel that Hamas Will Retain Control over Half of the Gaza Strip

Israel is preparing to withdraw troops from 70% of the Gaza Strip as part of the first phase of the truce.

Ynet reported this. According to sources, Hamas will retain control over 53% of the region. These figures are enshrined in the peace plan agreed upon with the mediation of the United States.

The agreement provides for an immediate ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and partial withdrawal of Israeli military units.

The first stage of the agreement covers the release of all living Israeli hostages and more than two thousand Palestinian prisoners. US President Donald Trump characterized the agreements as part of his 20-point peace plan, which he presented last week.

Trump said that Israel, Hamas, and international partners supported the document as a basis for resolving the conflict.

Late Wednesday night, he posted a message on Truth Social: “All hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw to the agreed line as a first step towards a lasting peace.”

After the agreement is implemented, Hamas will control half of the Gaza Strip, and the rest of the territory will be under the supervision of international forces.

After the Israeli cabinet approves the agreement, the withdrawal of troops from most of Gaza should begin within 24 hours. Then a 72-hour countdown will begin, during which Hamas will begin to hand over hostages. According to Israeli media reports, the process could start as early as Saturday.

In a commentary to Fox News, Donald Trump stated that he was prepared to personally travel to the Middle East to expedite the implementation of the agreements. According to Axios, he may visit Egypt, Gaza, and speak in the Knesset at the invitation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The next stage of the peace plan envisages the creation of an International Peace Council to coordinate the governance of Gaza after the end of hostilities. Trump himself will head the council, and it will include world leaders, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the agreement “a great day for Israel” and thanked Trump and his team for their efforts to free the hostages. He emphasized that the country is ready “with God’s help to bring all its people home.”

The Israeli army has warned that the situation in Gaza remains dangerous, so the return of civilians is not currently being considered.

Hamas representatives confirmed the agreement and called it “the beginning of a new stage for the Palestinian people.” The document provides for the end of the war, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the exchange of prisoners, and the opening of humanitarian corridors. The organization thanked Trump, as well as mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. In a statement, Hamas called on international partners to ensure the full implementation of the agreement and prevent any delays.

At the same time, in September, Israel launched an air strike on Hamas leadership in the capital of Qatar.