Moments after Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the “first phase” of a long-awaited peace deal, an explosion lit up Gaza’s skyline, raising questions about whether the fragile truce could survive its very first hours.
The explosion was captured by multiple news cameras positioned near the Gaza border and quickly spread across social media, contrasting sharply with Trump’s upbeat announcement of progress toward peace. Eyewitnesses reported a loud blast near the southern city of Khan Younis, followed by a plume of smoke visible for miles. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Trump’s Announcement of a “First Phase” Peace Deal
Earlier in the evening, Trump declared on Truth Social that Israel and Hamas had reached agreement on the initial stage of a peace plan aimed at ending months of conflict and releasing hostages held in Gaza.
“This means all hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw troops to an agreed line as the first steps toward a strong, lasting, and everlasting peace,” Trump wrote.
According to details confirmed by AP, Reuters, and Time, the “first phase” includes:
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A temporary ceasefire lasting several days.
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The release of all 20 surviving Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
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A partial Israeli troop withdrawal from populated areas in Gaza to allow humanitarian aid.
Conflicting Scenes on the Ground
The reported explosion just hours after the deal’s announcement sent mixed signals about the situation on the ground. Israeli military officials have not commented on the incident, while Hamas blamed “rogue elements” for violating ceasefire terms. International observers urged both sides to maintain discipline and prevent further escalation.
The incident underscores how fragile the situation remains, even as diplomatic efforts intensify. Mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey reportedly helped finalize the first phase of the plan, with the United States acting as a key broker.
Global Reactions and Rising Tension
In Israel, families of hostages greeted the peace announcement with cautious relief, gathering in Tel Aviv to celebrate what they called “a glimmer of hope.” Meanwhile, international leaders welcomed Trump’s declaration but expressed concern over the explosion. The UN Secretary-General called on both sides to “exercise maximum restraint,” emphasizing that “peace requires more than promises — it requires patience and trust.”
Political analysts note that Trump’s announcement, while historic, faces immense challenges. Previous ceasefire attempts in Gaza have often broken down within days, with violence quickly resuming. Experts warn that if the explosion signals renewed fighting, the credibility of the peace plan could be severely undermined.
A Fragile Beginning
The Israel–Hamas “first phase” peace deal was intended to serve as a foundation for broader negotiations covering reconstruction, border control, and long-term governance in Gaza. But the blast in Gaza — occurring mere hours after the announcement — shows that the path to peace remains perilous and uncertain.
As one diplomat told Reuters:
“It’s a first step, but every step in Gaza is a test of endurance, faith, and restraint.”
For now, the world watches anxiously, wondering whether this fragile truce can hold — or if the explosion in Gaza marks the first crack in Trump’s most ambitious diplomatic promise yet.
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