1 of 3 | President Donald Trump holds a noted given to him by Secretary of State Marco Rubio about peace talks involving Israel and Hamas during a roundtable about antifa in the State Dining Room at the White House on Wednesday. Photo by Francis Chung/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 8 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump announced online Wednesday night that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a deal to end the two-year-long war in Gaza and exchange hostages and prisoners.
Three hours before his post on Truth Social, Trump told reporters a deal was "very close" and he might travel to the Middle East this weekend.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah, calling it "a great day for Israel," said he will convene the government Thursday to ratify the agreement with Hamas and return the hostages from Gaza.
"With God's help we will bring them all home," Netanyahu said.
