Jerusalem, October 9(HS): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday hailed US President Donald Trump for his “leadership, partnership and unwavering commitment” after Israel and Hamas reached the first phase of a peace deal aimed at ending the Gaza conflict and securing the release of hostages.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Netanyahu described the agreement as a “diplomatic success and a moral victory” for Israel, adding that “with the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home.”

He credited Trump’s “steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and great efforts” for helping achieve what he called a “critical turning point.”

“As I made clear from the start, we will not rest until every hostage has returned and all our goals are achieved,” Netanyahu said, concluding his message with a blessing for the alliance between Israel and the United States.

Trump had announced the agreement on Wednesday, calling it a “historic and unprecedented” breakthrough. Under the first phase of the peace plan, Hamas is expected to release all remaining hostages while Israeli forces withdraw to an agreed position inside Gaza.

The president also thanked mediators Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their roles, declaring, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”The deal marks the most significant diplomatic progress since the outbreak of the war, which began after the October 2023 Hamas attacks that killed around 1,200 Israelis. According to Gaza authorities, Israel’s subsequent offensive left more than 67,000 Palestinians dead.

Netanyahu’s message of gratitude to Trump highlights the pivotal role Washington has played in mediating the ceasefire and paves the way for renewed diplomatic engagement in the region.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar