US President Donald Trump claims Israel agreed to initial withdrawal line following negotiations over Gaza ceasefire

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Israel has agreed to an initial withdrawal line following negotiations over the Gaza ceasefire, and that this proposal has been shared with the Palestinian militant outfit Hamas. Making the announcement on a social media platform, President Trump said that once Hamas confirms the arrangement, a ceasefire will take effect immediately, resulting in both a hostage and prisoner exchange.
 
Mr Trump’s remarks came hours after the US President shot off a warning for the Palestinian militant group yesterday. The new US-brokered peace plan to end the war in Gaza appears to have gained tentative backing from both Israel and Hamas, raising hopes for a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to announce the release of hostages being held in Gaza in the coming days.
 
In a brief statement last night, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, diplomatic and military pressure got them to this point and added that Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza demilitarised the easy way or the hard way. His remarks come as Israel and Hamas prepare to take part in indirect talks in Cairo, Egypt, with the US sending envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner to join them to discuss the release of hostages in Gaza.