Israel and Hamas agree on the ‘first phase’ of Gaza ceasefire deal
Israel and Hamas agreed Thursday to a ceasefire that could see the release of remaining hostages within days, in what may be the most significant step yet toward ending a conflict that has killed more than 67,000 people in Gaza.
The agreement, brokered in Egypt under a U.S.-led peace plan by President Donald Trump, calls for Hamas to release all hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and for Israel to begin a phased withdrawal from Gaza. The deal also opens the enclave to a surge of humanitarian aid after two years of blockade and bombardment.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump said on Truth Social late Wednesday, calling it “the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.” He added that all hostages would be released “very soon,” with the first 20 expected within 72 hours of the deal’s signing.
The signing is scheduled for 0900 GMT on Thursday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his cabinet would meet to approve the agreement, calling it “a diplomatic success and a moral victory for the State of Israel.”
Hamas confirmed the deal, saying it included an Israeli withdrawal and a hostage-prisoner exchange.
“We affirm that the sacrifices of our people will not be in vain, and that we will remain true to our pledge – never abandoning our people’s national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved,” the group said in a statement.
A source within Hamas told AFP that the first swap involves 20 living hostages for 1,950 prisoners, including 250 serving life terms.
The accord follows two years of fighting triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel’s offensive that followed has flattened large parts of Gaza, where the UN warns of famine and a collapsing health system.
In Gaza, weary residents reacted with relief while in Tel Aviv, hostage families gathered in Hostages Square to celebrate.
Unresolved questions persist, including who will govern Gaza after the conflict and whether Hamas will disarm. Arab states backing Trump’s plan insist it must lead to Palestinian independence, a prospect Netanyahu rejects.
With input from wires
