Saudi Arabia Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire and First Phase of Trump's Peace Plan

Kingdom's Official Stance on Gaza Agreement

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached in Gaza and the initiation of the first phase of US President Donald Trump's proposal to end the conflict. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing appreciation for President Trump's active role and the mediation efforts undertaken by Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Republic of Türkiye in facilitating this agreement.

The statement underscored Saudi Arabia's hope that this significant step would lead to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, achieve a full Israeli withdrawal, restore security and stability, and initiate practical steps towards a comprehensive and just peace. This peace, the Kingdom emphasized, should be based on the two-state solution, ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Details of the Ceasefire Agreement's First Phase

The first phase of President Trump's peace plan, which went into effect on Friday, October 10, 2025, outlines several critical components aimed at de-escalating the two-year conflict.

• Hostage and Prisoner Exchange: The agreement mandates the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas, believed to include approximately 20 individuals alive and the bodies of 28 deceased. In exchange, Israel is to release around 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and approximately 1,700 detainees from Gaza, totaling around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
• Israeli Withdrawal: Israeli forces are to withdraw from parts of Gaza to an agreed-upon line, leaving them in control of 53% of the territory during this initial phase.
• Humanitarian Aid: A significant surge of humanitarian aid is to be allowed into the ravaged coastal enclave to address the severe food shortages and humanitarian crisis.

The ceasefire itself took effect at noon local time on Friday, with Israeli troops beginning their withdrawal from specified areas.

International Mediation and Key Players

The agreement is the culmination of extensive diplomatic efforts, primarily spearheaded by US President Donald Trump and his administration. Key figures involved in brokering the deal include Steve Witkoff, a special envoy, and Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and advisor on Middle East affairs.

The mediation process also heavily relied on the collaborative efforts of regional powers. Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye played crucial roles in facilitating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, leading to the breakthrough.

Outlook for a Lasting Peace

While the first phase of the ceasefire has been welcomed by many, including Saudi Arabia, the path to a comprehensive and lasting peace remains complex. The broader 20-point peace plan proposed by President Trump aims to address long-term issues, including the demilitarization of Gaza and the establishment of a new civilian governing authority.

The Saudi statement reflects a broader regional sentiment that views this agreement as an opportunity to move towards a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the importance of a viable two-state solution for enduring stability in the Middle East.