JERUSALEM/CAIRO: Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas have reached an agreement to cease hostilities and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, marking the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the Gaza war.
Officials confirmed that both sides signed the deal following indirect negotiations in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh. The agreement includes a cessation of fighting, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of all remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Humanitarian aid convoys carrying food and medical supplies are also expected to enter Gaza to assist hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians sheltering in tents amid widespread destruction.
Ceasefire to take effect after Israeli ratification
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the ceasefire would take effect once approved by his government, which was due to meet later on Thursday after a security cabinet session.
However, several issues remain unresolved. A Palestinian official said the list of prisoners to be released had not yet been finalised, as Hamas continues to push for the inclusion of high-profile detainees. Further steps in Trump’s 20-point peace plan, including the post-war governance of Gaza and Hamas’s future role, are yet to be determined.
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Despite lingering uncertainties, news of the ceasefire sparked widespread relief in both Gaza and Israel.
‘All of Gaza is happy’
“Thank God for the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed,” said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo, a resident of Khan Younis. “All of Gaza is happy, the Arab people are happy, and the world is happy for peace.”
In Tel Aviv, Einav Zaugauker, whose son Matan remains among the last Israeli hostages, expressed overwhelming emotion in Hostages Square. “I can’t breathe, I can’t explain what I’m feeling… it’s unbelievable,” she said as crowds gathered to await government ratification of the deal.
Israeli strikes continued in Gaza before the ceasefire’s official start, though at a slower pace. The Gaza Health Ministry reported three Palestinians killed on Thursday and nine the previous day — a significant decrease from the tolls of recent weeks.
Eyewitnesses said Israeli troops appeared to be preparing to withdraw, dismantling posts and deploying smoke grenades to cover their movements.
Hostages to be freed within 72 hours
According to an Israeli government spokesperson, the ceasefire will come into effect within 24 hours of cabinet approval, after which the hostages will be released within 72 hours.
Authorities believe 20 Israeli hostages are still alive in Gaza, 26 are presumed dead, and the fate of two remains unclear. Hamas has said the recovery of the bodies may take longer than freeing those alive.
Trump is expected to visit Israel around the time hostages are released. Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s office said his Sunday schedule had been cleared in anticipation of the visit.
The agreement received support from Arab and Western governments and was hailed by Trump as a major diplomatic breakthrough. “This is a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, and all nations involved,” he wrote on social media, thanking Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their mediation efforts.
Mixed reactions in Israel
Netanyahu described the agreement as “a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for Israel.” However, some members of his right-wing coalition have criticised the deal. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Hamas must still be “eliminated” once the hostages are returned.
Western and Arab officials are scheduled to meet in Paris to discuss plans for Gaza’s reconstruction and the possible deployment of an international peacekeeping force.
The conflict, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli towns and a music festival on October 7, 2023, has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis, according to official figures.