Netanyahu hails ‘great day for Israel’ as Trump-brokered Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal finalised

President Donald Trump with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday called it a “great day for Israel” after finalising an agreement to bring home hostages held by Hamas, following a US-brokered deal to end the war in Gaza.

In a post on X, Netanyahu said, “A great day for Israel. Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home.”

He thanked Israel’s security forces for their efforts, saying, “I thank the heroic soldiers of the IDF and all the security forces, thanks to whose courage and sacrifice we have reached this day.”

With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home. This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel. From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals…

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 8, 2025

Netanyahu also expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his mediation efforts, adding, “I thank from the depths of my heart President Trump and his team for their mobilisation for this sacred mission of releasing our hostages.”

The Israeli leader ended his message on a note of faith, saying, “With the help of the Almighty, together we will continue to achieve all our goals and expand peace with our neighbours.”

Hamas, in a statement, confirmed that it had agreed to a deal based on Trump’s proposal, which includes an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a hostage-prisoner exchange. The group urged Trump and guarantor nations to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire.

Trump announced the breakthrough on Wednesday, posting on Truth Social, “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. 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.”