Israel and Hamas agree to ‘first phase’ of plan to end Gaza fighting, says Trump

Smoke rises following an Israeli military strike in the northern Gaza Strip, seen from southern Israel (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first phase” of Donald Trump’s peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners, the US president 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,” Mr Trump wrote.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio whispers to President Donald Trump in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington (Evan Vucci/AP)

“All Parties will be treated fairly!”