6:46President Donald Trump addresses attendees at a cabinet meeting inside the White House, Oct. 9, 2025, situated in Washington.Evan Vucci/AP
President Donald Trump, nearing a significant diplomatic triumph cultivated over several months, celebrated a victory Thursday regarding the accord between Israel and Hamas to put into effect the initial segment of his 20-point peace proposal.
"Last night, we accomplished a remarkable advancement in the Middle East, an accomplishment that many doubted could ever happen," Trump stated as he gathered his Cabinet for a meeting at the White House.
According to the president, all of the remaining Israeli captives will be freed either Monday or Tuesday. Trump also revealed his intention to travel to the area in the near future for a signing event, and possibly deliver a speech before the Knesset in Israel.
"I believe it will be a lasting peace, hopefully an enduring peace," he remarked.
However, Trump did not elaborate on the subsequent steps, including more complex matters such as the future of Gaza post-conflict for Palestinians or assurances that Hamas will disarm and Israel will refrain from resuming its bombing operations.
Trump emphasized that his foremost concern was securing the return of the hostages.
"Afterward, we'll observe," he informed ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce while fielding questions from reporters during the Cabinet meeting. "But they have consented to certain conditions, and I anticipate it will proceed rather smoothly."
President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Oct. 9, 2025, in Washington.Evan Vucci/AP
The initial stage of the truce arrangement is projected to commence in the coming days, involving an exchange of Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners and a partial retreat of Israeli forces from sections of Gaza. The cessation of all hostilities by the Israel Defense Forces and Hamas will be activated after the Israeli government approves the agreement, according to an Israeli official.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave Trump credit for the pact, noting it originated with the president’s visit to the Middle East in May, succeeded by several months of intensive deliberations. Rubio pointed out that discussions shifted direction last month during a meeting at the United Nations between Trump and his team with Arab mediators and partners.
"Perhaps, in the future, the complete narrative of yesterday’s developments will be unveiled. Let it be stated, it is no exaggeration to suggest that nothing would have materialized without the participation of the president of the United States," Rubio conveyed during the Cabinet meeting.
Trump has garnered international acknowledgment for his contribution to brokering the accord, which arrives two years following the commencement of the devastating war.
In excess of 67,000 Palestinians have perished in the Israel-Hamas conflict, as stated by the Hamas-operated Gaza Health Ministry in a statement released on Thursday. Over 1,200 individuals lost their lives in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas initiated a surprise assault, and approximately 250 individuals were taken captive, according to Israeli authorities.
Trump observed that people within Israel and in Arab nations are commemorating the announcement.
"Currently, they are celebrating in the streets, filled with joy. Everyone is elated," Trump remarked on Thursday.
Nevertheless, this optimism emerges while further specifics of Trump’s proposed peace arrangement remain undefined.
President Donald Trump speaks alongside Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, October 9, 2025.Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
ABC News’ Bruce questioned Trump about the composition of the second phase and its prospective initiation.
"I won’t discuss that as you generally have insight into phase two. However, we will proceed with disarming, withdrawals, and numerous other occurrences," Trump responded.
Trump also refrained from committing when queried about the potential for Palestinians to remain in Gaza.
"Well, they are entirely aware of our intentions," Trump clarified. "We aim to establish an environment conducive to habitation. Currently, residing in Gaza is untenable. … It’s a dire predicament unparalleled in history. Therefore, indeed, we intend to foster more favorable circumstances for individuals."
Regarding security assurances for Gaza, Trump indicated the U.S. would collaborate with "exceptionally affluent nations" in the region, but presented no further particulars.
“I anticipate seeing noteworthy nations assuming responsibility and contributing significant funding,” Trump commented.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
