Israel and Hamas agreed to an Israel Hamas peace deal, initiating a hostage exchange and a plan for Gaza’s future, as Prime Minister Netanyahu nominated President Trump for Israel’s highest award.
Netanyahu Nominates Trump for Israel Prize
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called President Donald Trump the “greatest friend” Israel has ever had. He announced his nomination of Trump for the Israel Prize, which Netanyahu described as the nation’s “highest award.“
“No American president has ever done more for Israel,” Netanyahu stated, adding, “It ain’t even close.” He praised Trump for past actions, including “standing up for Israel” at the United Nations and withdrawing from the “disastrous” Iran nuclear deal.
The prime minister also thanked Trump for supporting military operations against Iran’s nuclear sites. “Thank you for supporting Operation Rising Lion and for your bold decision to launch Operation Midnight Hammer,” he said of the June strikes.
Details of the Israel Hamas Peace Deal
The breakthrough agreement follows months of mediation by Trump administration officials. The sweeping 20-point plan was reached after two years of fighting in Gaza that began with Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
As part of the deal, Israel has halted military operations and withdrawn its forces to pre-defined lines. Hamas members who renounce violence will be granted amnesty or safe passage, while those who continue resistance will be excluded from Gaza’s future governance.
Israel Hamas Hostage Exchange Details Released
The prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas began on Monday. Hamas released the final 20 living hostages taken during the Oct. 7 attack, which killed more than 1,200 people and took around 240 hostages.
In return, Israel freed 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from its jails. So far, four of the 28 hostages presumed dead have also been returned as part of the exchange.
Gaza Governance and Rebuilding Plan Unveiled
The plan allows for humanitarian aid to flow freely into Gaza, supervised by the United Nations, the Red Crescent, and other neutral organizations. An economic development plan aims to transform Gaza into a “thriving modern miracle city” with a special economic zone.
Gaza’s governance will transition to a technocratic Palestinian committee overseen by an international “Board of Peace.” No residents will be forced to leave Gaza, and participation in rebuilding efforts will be voluntary.
Donald Trump Role in Israel Peace Deal Defined
Donald Trump will chair the “Board of Peace,” which will also include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and other global leaders. Commenting on Netanyahu, Trump said, “He’s not easy — not the easiest guy to deal with — but that’s what makes him great.“
A U.S.-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) will be created to train Palestinian police, secure borders, and oversee disarmament. Regional partners, including Egypt and Jordan, will help ensure compliance and prevent the resurgence of militant threats.
