CAIRO, Egypt: Israel and Hamas agreed on Thursday to the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza, a move aimed at ending more than two years of devastating war that has killed tens of thousands, flattened much of the territory, and triggered one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history.
The US-brokered deal — set to be formally signed later Thursday — includes the release of captives and prisoners, as well as a large-scale humanitarian aid surge into Gaza. It follows prolonged negotiations involving Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, and marks the first concrete step toward halting Israel’s military campaign that began after Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
Both sides have agreed to an initial framework allowing for the release of all hostages held in Gaza, partial Israeli withdrawal to a designated line, and the freeing of a significant number of Palestinian detainees.
Trump Announces Deal, Praises Mediators
US President Donald Trump said the hostages were likely to be released on Monday, calling the breakthrough a “strong, durable, and everlasting peace.” However, his announcement did not address unresolved issues — including Hamas’s disarmament and the future governance of Gaza.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan… BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/lAUxi1UPYh
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 8, 2025
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account. “This means that ALL of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line.”
Trump also thanked the mediating nations, writing: “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
Prisoner Exchange Within 72 Hours
According to a Hamas source quoted by AFP, the group will release 20 living captives in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners during the first phase of the agreement. The exchange will take place within 72 hours of implementation, the source said.
Those set for release include 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained by Israel since the start of the war. Qatar confirmed the swap, calling it “the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.”
The Israeli army said Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir had instructed forces to prepare for “any scenario” and to handle the captives’ return “with sensitivity and professionalism.”
Mixed Reactions in Israel and Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the deal as a “diplomatic success and a national and moral victory.” Families of Israeli hostages celebrated the announcement, some gathering in Tel Aviv holding portraits of their loved ones.
In Gaza, residents cautiously welcomed the news, with celebrations breaking out in some areas even as many remained skeptical about whether the truce would hold.
For millions of Palestinians trapped in the besieged enclave, the deal represents a glimmer of hope after relentless bombardment and blockade that have left Gaza’s health system, economy, and infrastructure in ruins.
