AJC Statement on Israel-Hamas Agreement on First Phase of President Trump’s 20-Point Plan

American Jewish Committee (AJC) welcomes the agreement reached by Israel and Hamas, brokered by the United States, to begin the first phase of President Trump's 20-point peace plan.

"After two agonizing years, the thought that the hostages could be home in the coming days is almost impossible to grasp," said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. "We, along with everyone who has advocated for the hostages' release, are counting down to the moment when we can finally say 'they are home.'"

AJC expresses our profound gratitude to President Trump and his administration for bringing us to this point. Just a week and a half ago, President Trump presented Hamas with a clear choice: release the hostages you've held for nearly two years and begin negotiations on the 20-point plan or continue to consign the Palestinian people to the misery of the war you began on October 7, 2023. With the support of partners in the Arab and Muslim world, the Trump Administration has moved us toward a reality that for two long years seemed out of reach.

We join the international community in eagerly awaiting the immediate next steps in this process. Those who have committed to the fulfillment of the 20-point plan must continue to pressure Hamas so that the terms of the agreement are swiftly implemented and all the hostages, living and dead, are returned to their loved ones. While there are still significant issues that must be resolved, this is undoubtedly a pivotal moment. We look forward to the fulfillment of the 20-point plan, an end to the war and Hamas' rule in Gaza, and a better future for Israelis and Palestinians.

AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC's mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org .

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