Trump states his intention to attend signing of Gaza ceasefire deal
4 Min Read
Trump says the exchange will be early next week under a new ceasefire deal and plans to attend an official signing ceremony in Egypt.
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President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Washington (AP)
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Israeli captives held in Gaza are expected to be released on Monday or Tuesday, as part of the first phase of a ceasefire deal between the Palestinian Resistance and the Israeli occupation. The announcement came during a White House Cabinet meeting, where Trump discussed what he described as a “major breakthrough” that could lead to “lasting peace” in the region.
Trump stated that the agreement, reached on Wednesday following weeks of indirect negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar, outlines a gradual process aimed at halting the war in Gaza, releasing Israeli captives and Palestinian detainees, and initiating reconstruction in the war-torn territory. “We are getting the hostages back on Tuesday, Monday or Tuesday, and that will be a day of joy,” he said, adding that the release would mark a pivotal moment in efforts to stabilize the region.
The US president revealed that he plans to travel to Egypt to attend an official signing ceremony formalizing the ceasefire agreement. “We are working on the timing, the exact timing. We are going to go to Egypt, where we will have a signing, an additional signing. We have already had a signing representing me, but we are going to have an official signing,” Trump explained. The White House is reportedly coordinating with Cairo to finalize the schedule for what could become a landmark diplomatic event.
20 captives to be released from Gaza
According to initial reports, the first stage of the deal includes the release of 20 living captives held in Gaza, approximately 72 hours after the ceasefire goes into effect. Subsequent phases are expected to address humanitarian aid delivery, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the facilitation of Palestinian detainees' exchanges.
Trump said the plan also envisions long-term reconstruction efforts in Gaza, referring to the enclave being “slowly redone.” While he provided few details, US officials have indicated that Washington, along with regional partners, may play a key role in coordinating rebuilding efforts once the truce holds.
The agreement comes after months of devastating Israeli bombardment that destroyed much of Gaza’s infrastructure and displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. International pressure on “Israel” to end its military campaign has mounted amid accusations of genocide and repeated warnings from humanitarian agencies about the collapse of civilian life in the besieged territory.
Ceasefire agreement reached
The ceasefire agreement in Gaza came into effect at noon local time, though Al Mayadeen’s correspondent reported that Israeli warplanes renewed their bombardment shortly after it took hold.
Meanwhile, Israeli Channel 12 quoted sources from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office as saying that “the ceasefire will only come into effect once it is approved by the government later today.”
The political breakthrough was reached overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, October 8–9, when Hamas announced a comprehensive deal to end the Israeli aggression on Gaza, ensure the withdrawal of occupation forces, allow humanitarian aid into the enclave, and facilitate a prisoner exchange.
Phase one of Trump's Gaza deal takes effect
US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that “Israel” and Hamas agreed to implement the first phase of his proposed 'peace' plan for the Gaza Strip, following indirect negotiations held in Egypt earlier this week.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said, "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. 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. All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen."
