Rubio’s whisper: Trump races to announce Gaza peace deal first

WASHIGNTON: In the middle of a roundtable at the White House, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Cameras flashed, aides whispered, and President Donald Trump leaned slightly forward as Secretary of State Marco Rubio slipped a folded note into his hand.

Trump opened it discreetly — a few lines scribbled in haste: “Very close. We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first.”

Rubio leaned in and murmured, “The Gaza peace plan — they’ve agreed. Israel and Hamas will sign within hours.”

Trump’s eyes narrowed, a familiar gleam of self-assurance flickering across his face. “Good,” he said, sliding the note into his jacket pocket. “Let’s make history… again.”

Hours later, as the world’s media scrambled to confirm the news, Trump was already drafting his post — determined to break it to the world before anyone else could.

Behind the diplomatic handshake in Gaza lay another story — one of timing, strategy, and a former president eager to reclaim the global stage.

Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas have reached an agreement to cease hostilities and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, marking the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the Gaza war.

Officials confirmed that both sides signed the deal following indirect negotiations in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh. The agreement includes a cessation of fighting, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of all remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Humanitarian aid convoys carrying food and medical supplies are also expected to enter Gaza to assist hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians sheltering in tents amid widespread destruction.

Meanwhile, many of the states congratulated president Trump on his tremendous efforts into making the Gaza peace deal possible on October 10.

Iranian foreign minister said in a statement that his country welcomed the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israel. “Iran has always supported any action and initiative that includes stopping the genocidal war, withdrawal of the occupying forces, bringing in humanitarian aid, releasing Palestinian prisoners and realising the fundamental rights of the Palestinians,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Upon embarking for a 5th round of talks with @SteveWitkoff on May 23, I wrote:

"Zero nuclear weapons = we DO have a deal.
Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal."

If POTUS was to glance at the minutes of those talks—recorded by our interlocutor—he would see just how close we…

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) October 7, 2025

Nepal also welcomed the Israel-Hamas deal, stressing the release of all hostages, including the lone Nepali held in Gaza. “We call for the immediate release of all hostages, including Nepali national Bipin Joshi,” the country’s foreign ministry underscored. He added that “We urge all parties concerned to implement the plan in its true spirit, to ensure the smooth flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, and to pave the way for lasting peace.”

Nepal welcomes the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas to implement the first phase of the ‘Middle East Peace Plan’ proposed by the President of the United States.

We call for the immediate release of all hostages, including Nepali national Bipin Joshi, who has been held…

— MOFA of Nepal 🇳🇵 (@MofaNepal) October 9, 2025

The Indian premier Narendre Modi also took to his social media account on X to react to the deal, despite the fact the US-India relationship is going through a tough time following the Pakistan-India war that took place in May this year. The India’s PM said, “Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan.” Referring to trade between the two countries, the PM added that “reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks.”

Called my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu, to congratulate him on the progress made under President Trump’s Gaza peace plan. We welcome the agreement on the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. Reaffirmed that terrorism in any form or…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2025