Israel and Hamas Agree to First Phase of Peace Plan
U.S. President Donald Trump said he expects the hostages and remains held by terrorist group Hamas to be released by Monday.
Einav Zangauker, center, mother of Matan Zangauker, who is being held hostage by Hamas, reacts after the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg
WASHINGTON—Israel and terrorist group Hamas have reached a deal for the release of hostages, marking a breakthrough toward ending the two-year war in Gaza.
After announcing that both sides had agreed to the deal, President Donald Trump said that hostages still being held by Hamas are likely to be released in the coming days.
Emel Akan is a senior White House correspondent for The Epoch Times, where she covers the policies of the Trump administration. Previously, she reported on the Biden administration and the first term of President Trump. Before her journalism career, she worked in investment banking at JPMorgan. She holds an MBA from Georgetown University.
