Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal, marking the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the Gaza war that has killed tens of thousands and reshaped the Middle East.
Both sides were expected to sign the accord Thursday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, although airstrikes were still reported in Gaza City around the time of the anticipated signing. According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, the ceasefire will take effect once approved by the Israeli government following a security cabinet meeting.
Under the deal, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza while Hamas releases hostages captured during its 2023 attack in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. An Israeli official confirmed that 20 living hostages are expected to be released by early next week, while Hamas may need additional time to recover bodies of deceased captives.
Celebrations broke out across Gaza and Israel as news of the agreement spread. “Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,” said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo in Khan Younis. In Tel Aviv, Einav Zaugauker, whose son is among the hostages, tearfully expressed relief: “I can’t breathe… it’s overwhelming — this is the relief.”
Despite the ceasefire announcement, Gaza’s Health Ministry said nine Palestinians were killed in overnight strikes — a lower toll compared to previous weeks. The truce follows two years of conflict since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, assault that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage.
President Trump hailed the deal as a “great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, and the United States,” praising mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. The agreement is being lauded as a major diplomatic victory for Trump, who has proposed a 20-point framework aimed at long-term regional peace and reconstruction.
Western and Arab nations are meeting in Paris to discuss Gaza’s post-war governance and rebuilding efforts. However, key questions remain unresolved — including Hamas’ future and the possibility of Palestinian statehood, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to oppose.
The next phase of Trump’s peace plan reportedly envisions an international administrative body for Gaza, led by Trump and including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, to oversee reconstruction and governance.
