Trump Announces Gaza Hostage and Ceasefire Deal | 15 Jan 2025 | President-elect Donald Trump was the first to announce a ceasefire deal was reached in Gaza between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday. Israeli officials soon confirmed an agreement was in place to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 atrocities. “We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!” Trump said on Truth Social, his preferred social media platform, at just after noon Eastern.