Netanyahu hails 'critical turning point' as Hamas agrees to release hostages

Benjamin Netanyahu has hailed "a critical turning point" in the Gaza war after Israel and Hamas signed off the first phase of Donald Trump's peace plan.

The Israeli prime minister said Wednesday night's breakthrough meant all remaining 48 hostages held by the militant group, 20 of whom are thought to still be alive, would be returned. Gaza war latest: Celebrations as Trump announces peace deal "Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we've reached this critical turning point," he added.

Sir Keir Starmer, who is currently on a trip to India, called the deal a "moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world". He added: "This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay".

In Gaza and Israel, people celebrated the major breakthrough which has the potential to end the two-year-old war. In Khan Younis, people took to the streets - dancing and clapping.

Families of hostages and their supporters gathered in the early hours in Tel Aviv's hostages square and hugged and cheered - some tearful at the prospect of their loved ones being released. The American flag was waved in the air in celebration at the US president's intervention, with people also chanting "Nobel prize to Trump".

Read more:Could Trump win the Nobel Peace Prize? The White House said it was down to the Israeli security cabinet to sign off the deal today, which will bring a ceasefire into force and allow for an exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Israel must not 'evade or delay' Hamas urged Mr Trump not to let Israel "evade or delay" the deal, as it said it hoped it would lead to the "complete withdrawal" of the Israeli military from the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli Defence Forces said it was "ready for any scenario" and any movement "will be carried out in accordance with the directives" of its government. In a statement, it added it is prepared to "lead the operation" for the hostages' return.

It comes after the US president announced the two sides had agreed to the first phase of his plan. 'A great day for the world' In a Truth Social post just before midnight UK time, he said: "I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan." It means all the hostages will be released, he said, and Israel will withdraw its troops "to an agreed upon line".

He thanked mediators for their part in negotiations in Egypt this week, including those from Qatar and Turkey. The delegates were pictured hugging and celebrating as the deal was announced.

He later told Reuters it was a "great day for the world.