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Trump Announces Second Phase of Gaza Peace Deal as Hostage Exchange Continues
President Trump announces the second phase of the Gaza peace deal, confirming the safe return of 20 hostages. Hamas has so far handed over the bodies of 8 dead hostages to Israel, with more to follow in stages.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-10-15
Trump Announces Second Phase of Gaza Peace Deal as Hostage Exchange Continues

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced the commencement of the second phase of the Gaza peace deal, confirming the release of all 20 living hostages from Hamas captivity.

In a statement posted on social media, President Trump said the hostages had been returned “in good health,” calling it “a big burden lifted” but emphasizing that “our work is not done.”

Trump added that Hamas had yet to fulfill its commitment to return the bodies of all deceased hostages as agreed under the peace framework.

Meanwhile, Hamas continued implementing parts of the deal by handing over the bodies of four more hostages to Israel. According to a statement from the Israeli army, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the transfer of the bodies from Gaza.

A day earlier, Hamas had also handed over the remains of four hostages, bringing the total number of deceased hostages returned to eight, in addition to the 20 living hostages released earlier.

Security sources confirmed that Hamas still holds the bodies of 20 dead hostages, and the handover process will continue in stages under international supervision.

The hostage release and recovery process is part of a broader peace initiative aimed at de-escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas following months of deadly conflict in Gaza. The first phase of the deal focused on the release of living hostages, while the second phase will prioritize the repatriation of remains and humanitarian coordination.

President Trump, who brokered the agreement with the support of regional mediators, expressed optimism that “lasting peace and stability” could follow if all sides adhered to their commitments.

Observers view the progress as a significant but fragile step toward rebuilding trust and facilitating dialogue between the two sides amid international calls for a sustained ceasefire and humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.
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