Israel and Hamas on Thursday formally agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, marking the first phase of President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the devastating Gaza war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and reshaped the Middle East.
The agreement, described as the most significant step toward peace since the conflict began two years ago, was expected to be signed in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Though there was no immediate confirmation of the signing, both sides publicly endorsed the pact.
Under the deal, hostilities will cease, Israel will begin a partial withdrawal from Gaza, and Hamas will release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. An Israeli official said troops would start pulling back within 24 hours of the signing, while the release of the remaining 20 hostages believed to be alive is expected by early next week.
Celebrations erupted in Gaza and across Israel as news of the agreement spread. In Gaza, where more than two million people have been displaced by Israeli bombardment, crowds poured into the streets despite continued air strikes. “Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,” said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo in Khan Younis. “All of Gaza is happy, all the Arab people, all the world is happy.”
In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where families of captives have gathered for months demanding their release, relatives wept and embraced in relief. Einav Zaugauker, whose son Matan was among those taken by Hamas, said, “I can’t breathe, I can’t explain what I’m feeling. What do I say to him? Hug and kiss him. Just tell him that I love him.”
Despite the euphoria, Gaza residents reported continued Israeli strikes on parts of Gaza City overnight. The enclave’s health ministry said at least nine Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours one of the lowest daily tolls in weeks.
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The deal came a day after the second anniversary of Hamas’s 2023 cross-border assault that triggered Israel’s massive military campaign. More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, according to Gaza authorities, while Israel says 1,200 people were killed and 251 hostages taken during the initial attack.
Trump hailed the agreement as a “great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, and the United States,” crediting mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” he wrote on social media.
Arab and Western leaders also welcomed the deal, calling it a major diplomatic breakthrough. Delegates met in Paris to discuss plans for a multinational peacekeeping force and reconstruction of Gaza once the ceasefire holds.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the accord as “a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory,” while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said it could open the door to broader regional peace. However, far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition voiced opposition. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Hamas must still be destroyed once the hostages are freed.
The next phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan includes forming an international body to be led by Trump and joined by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to oversee Gaza’s post-war administration.
