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Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a significant breakthrough toward ending the two-year-long conflict in the region.
The deal, announced on Wednesday, outlines the immediate cessation of hostilities, the exchange of hostages and prisoners, and the opening of humanitarian aid routes into Gaza. The ceasefire is expected to pave the way for broader peace efforts, including Gaza’s reconstruction and the recognition of Palestinian self-determination.
President Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social account, confirming that both sides had signed the first phase of the U.S.-drafted peace deal.
“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump wrote.
Qatar, a key mediator in the negotiations, later confirmed the development, stating that all parties had agreed to the mechanisms and timelines for implementing the plan. The agreement comes amid rising global calls for an end to the Gaza war and renewed efforts toward a two-state solution.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the deal as bringing “unimaginable relief” to families who have lived in fear and uncertainty for more than two years. “This plan offers a ray of hope to families who have not closed their eyes for 733 days,” he said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the development as “a great day for Israel,” adding that the Israeli cabinet would meet immediately to approve the agreement. “We will return all our dear hostages home,” he promised.
On its part, Hamas confirmed that it had agreed to a deal “stipulating an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation’s withdrawal from it, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange.”
The U.S. government presented the 20-point Gaza peace proposal last week, after extensive consultations with European and Middle Eastern partners — including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Pakistan.
Under the plan:
The agreement aims to create a permanent cessation of hostilities and lay the foundation for renewed peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
World leaders have widely welcomed the development, describing it as a turning point in the Middle East peace process.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the ceasefire “a momentous opportunity to end the occupation of Gaza,” urging all parties to uphold their commitments. “All hostages must be released in a dignified manner. A permanent ceasefire must be secured. The fighting must stop once and for all,” he said.
Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, also hailed the agreement as “great news,” emphasizing the need for rapid aid delivery: “Let’s get the hostages out and surge aid in – fast.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deal offered “profound relief that will be felt around the world,” praising the diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the U.S. “This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay,” he said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the development as “a much-needed step towards peace,” while European Union President Antonio Costa said implementation of the deal “paves the way for the long-awaited release of all Israeli hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to the severe humanitarian crisis.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney commended Trump’s “essential leadership,” adding: “I am relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families.”
Though optimism runs high, many observers remain cautious given the history of fragile truces between Israel and Hamas. A similar ceasefire earlier in the year collapsed after two months when renewed fighting broke out, resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties.
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