Trump announces Israel’s agreement to Gaza ‘initial withdrawal line’ as fragile ceasefire talks intensify

US President Donald Trump on October 4 declared that Israel has agreed to an “initial withdrawal line” in Gaza, a move he framed as the first step toward ending what he called a “3,000-year catastrophe.” But the breakthrough remains uncertain, with Hamas yet to formally endorse the arrangement.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump said: “After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas. Once confirmed, the ceasefire will be effective immediately, and the hostages and prisoner exchanges will begin.”

The announcement comes after weeks of high-stakes negotiations, during which Trump warned Hamas that “all hell will break loose” if the group failed to release hostages and agree to a ceasefire deal by the end of October 5.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined the phased plan on October 4, stressing that Israel would maintain control over strategic areas inside Gaza until Hamas is disarmed and the enclave fully demilitarized. “This will happen either through the diplomatic path by the Trump plan or through the military path — but it will be achieved,” Netanyahu said.

Trump, who has oscillated between hardline warnings and urgent calls for restraint, had earlier urged Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza” to allow for safe release of hostages. Yet, hours later, the Israeli military launched a wave of airstrikes across the strip, killing at least 36 people, according to Palestinian officials.

Hamas, meanwhile, has signaled a partial acceptance of Trump’s proposal — offering to free hostages and cede administration of Gaza to technocrats while seeking negotiations on other contentious terms, The Independent reported.

With both sides still maneuvering, the prospect of an imminent ceasefire remains precarious. For now, Trump’s “initial withdrawal line” stands as a tentative marker in a conflict still defined by airstrikes, hostages, and an uncertain path to peace.