President Donald Trump on Sunday praised a nearly-complete agreement to end the Gaza war, calling it a “great deal for Israel.” His endorsement came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the framework, which includes a full hostage release, is “90 per cent” finalized and has been accepted in principle by Hamas.
The deal stipulates that in exchange for the freedom of all Israeli hostages, the Israeli military will withdraw to the “yellow line,” a position held in mid-August. This is considered the most immediate and achievable goal of the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The negotiations have also yielded a tentative plan for Gaza’s future. Rubio confirmed that Hamas has agreed “in principle” to enter into discussions about the post-conflict landscape, a crucial step toward ensuring that peace is sustainable.
In addition to his praise for the deal, Trump issued a severe ultimatum to Hamas, warning of “complete obliteration” if the group does not relinquish its control over Gaza. He also stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “on board” with the American vision for ending the two-year conflict.
The final phase of negotiations is now underway, focusing on the logistical coordination of the hostage release. According to Rubio, these technical talks will be the ultimate litmus test of Hamas’s intentions, with a resolution expected shortly.