Israel formally approves Donald Trump's peace deal as Benjamin Netanyahu pays tribute to 'extraordinary' President

After its ratification, the deal is set to go into effect in 24 hours.

Following that 24-hour period, the hostages held in Gaza are set to be freed within 72 hours.

Hamas terrorists massacred some 1,200 people on October 7, 2023, and 251 people were taken hostage back to Gaza. It is believed of the 48 hostages who are still in Gaza, 20 are alive.

Mr Trump has said he would head to the region on Sunday, possibly to attend a signing ceremony in Egypt.

Meanwhile, Amir Ohana, the Speaker of Israel's Parliament, has invited him to address the legislative body.

It would mark the first such speech by a US President since 2008.

Mr Trump said he hoped the deal would lead to "an everlasting peace" in the region.

The US President had been the first to confirm that both Israel and Hamas had signed off on the deal late on Wednesday night.

"I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our peace plan," he said.

"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. Blessed are the peacemakers!

He later said: "The whole world has come together on this one, Israel, every country has come together. This has been a fantastic day. This is a great day for the world. This is a wonderful day, a wonderful day for everybody."

Hamas then declared the "war is over" in a significant breakthrough.

The group's chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, told reporters: "We have received assurances from the brotherly mediators and the US administration, who have confirmed that the war is completely over."

Under the sprawling 20-point plan, the Gaza Strip will be "deradicalised and redeveloped", Hamas’s Israeli hostages will be released after more than two years, and Sir Tony Blair will be brought in to head up a so-called “Board of Peace”.

However, a senior Hamas official rejected the "Board of Peace" proposal - which may prove a stumbling block in the days ahead.

Osama Hamdan, a high-profile Hamas member who has been involved in previous negotiations between the terror group and the US, vowed on Thursday: "All the factions, including the Palestinian Authority, reject this."

Another issue could rear its head from within Israel - the country's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned that his Jewish Power party would push to topple Mr Netanyahu's Government unless Hamas is completely dismantled.

The Israeli PM earlier had pledged to ensure the release of all the hostages saying: "With God's help, we will bring them all home."

ISRAEL-PALESTINE - READ MORE: 

• Woman who removed Israeli hostage ribbons from memorial on October 7 questioned by police
• Greta Thunberg shares image of 'Palestinian prisoner' - which is actually ISRAELI hostage
• Ben Leo stunned as pro-Gaza activist flies Hamas terror flag in central New York - on October 7
• Palestine protesters chant 'from the river to the sea' at UK universities on October 7 anniversary

The United Nations also plans to ramp up its delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza in the first 60 days of a ceasefire in the enclave, a top official confirmed.

Under the proposals by Mr Trump, fleets of trucks carrying food and aid will flow into Gaza, allowing the release of hostages and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Mr Fletcher said the UN will also provide cash for 200,000 families to cover basic food needs. He added the organization will restore Gaza's destroyed health system and deliver more medical supplies.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier on Thursday said red tape would need to be removed, and that safe and sustained access for humanitarian workers would be needed for the organization to carry out its plans.

Mr Trump has long strived to be seen as a peacemaker President, and during his first year back in office has already received three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.

One had already come from Mr Netanyahu after Mr Trump bombed Iran's nuclear facilities in June.

Another came from Pakistan after the Commander-in-Chief ensured a ceasefire between the nation and India, and the most recent was after he intervened in the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.

After the deal on Wednesday, the White House released an image of Mr Trump captioned "the Peace President".

Then, Mr Netanyahu's office declared: "Give Donald Trump the Nobel Peace Prize - he deserves it!"

The winner of the prize is set to be announced on Friday.

Reacting to the news during his visit to India, Sir Keir Starmer said: "I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump's peace plan for Gaza.

"This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years."

The PM, like Mr Trump, hailed the "tireless diplomatic efforts" of the US, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, which have been crucial in moving towards peace, the Prime Minister said.

He added: "This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"We call on all parties to meet the commitments they have made, to end the war, and to build the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict and a sustainable path to a long-term peace.

"The UK will support these crucial immediate steps and the next stage of talks to ensure the full implementation of the peace plan."

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter