**Trump Announces Potential Release of Hostages in Gaza**

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced that Israeli hostages held by Hamas are expected to be released soon as part of a newly agreed-upon peace plan. In a statement on October 8, Trump indicated that both Israel and Hamas have accepted the first phase of a U.S.-backed initiative aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

"This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America," Trump wrote on Truth Social. He expressed gratitude to mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their roles in facilitating the agreement.

The plan stipulates that Israel will withdraw its troops from Gaza to a designated line, and the release of hostages is expected to occur within 72 hours of the agreement. Trump mentioned in a phone interview with Fox News that he anticipates both living and deceased hostages will be released by Monday. Currently, there are 48 hostages in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.

The agreement follows a series of indirect negotiations held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, involving representatives from the U.S., Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt. The discussions aimed to address the ongoing violence that erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians. In retaliation, Israel's military campaign has reportedly led to over 66,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism about the agreement, stating, "Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home." He thanked Trump for his efforts in securing the deal.

Hamas also acknowledged Trump's role, stating, "We highly appreciate the efforts of our brothers and mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and we also value the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war completely and achieving a full withdrawal of the occupation from the Gaza Strip."

U.S. lawmakers have expressed cautious optimism regarding the agreement. House Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast remarked that the deal hinges on Hamas's compliance, stating, "This deal only works if Hamas follows through. We don’t trust terrorists, we trust results."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for continued negotiations to ensure a lasting peace, stating, "We must begin the even harder work of closing negotiations: to end the war, to start building the day after in Gaza without Hamas, to surge humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza, and to build a lasting peace that ensures security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike."

As the news of the agreement spread, celebrations erupted in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square, where families and supporters gathered to express their relief and hope for the safe return of the hostages.

The situation remains fluid, with the Israeli cabinet set to review the agreement soon. If approved, the military withdrawal and subsequent hostage release will commence, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in Gaza.