U.S. President Donald Trump expressed confidence on Wednesday that the newly announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will hold, citing fatigue on both sides and progress in the hostage release deal brokered under his administration’s peace plan.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump said the first phase of the agreement which includes a partial Israeli military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip is already underway, clearing the path for the long-awaited return of hostages.

“They’re all tired of fighting,” Trump said. “Nobody wants this to go on. That’s why I believe this ceasefire will hold.”

He added that hostages currently held by Hamas are expected to be released on Monday, stating that “Hamas is getting them now,” referring to the process of assembling captives for transfer once certain conditions are fulfilled, including the completion of Israeli repositioning.

Ceasefire Enters Critical Stage

The ceasefire, announced earlier this week, marks a significant step in Trump’s broader Gaza peace initiative, aimed at ending nearly two years of relentless conflict. The plan includes phased military de-escalation, humanitarian aid access, and mutual prisoner releases.

Monday’s expected release would include women, children, and elderly captives, though exact numbers and identities have not yet been disclosed for security reasons.

Trump’s comments come amid growing international optimism. The United Nations, European Union, and several regional partners have welcomed the ceasefire as a “critical opening” for long-term peace efforts though many caution that deeper political dialogue will still be required to address root causes of the conflict.

Skepticism Remains

Despite Trump’s optimism, some analysts remain cautious, pointing to past ceasefires that quickly collapsed due to renewed hostilities or breakdowns in trust.

Still, for the families of the hostages and civilians on both sides of the conflict, the current pause brings a moment of hope and a potential turning point.