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Agreement Reached on First Phase of Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas
Jerusalem / Gaza City – Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on the first phase of a ceasefire plan that could bring an end to over two years of war in the Gaza Strip. The deal, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, marks the most concrete step so far toward ending a conflict that has devastated the region and claimed tens of thousands of lives.
Trump, in a message posted on social media, declared that “all hostages will be released very soon” and that Israel will withdraw its troops to a pre-established line as part of the first step toward a “strong, lasting, and forever peace.”
Hamas confirmed it has accepted the American proposal, which includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and a large-scale prisoner exchange. According to diplomatic sources, up to 1,700 Palestinian detainees could be released within 72 hours of the signing of the agreement, scheduled for Thursday.
The news sparked scenes of joy both in Israel and Gaza. In Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv, families and supporters greeted the announcement with hugs, tears, and chants of “Nobel Prize to Trump.” In the Gaza Strip, where the population has endured months of relentless bombings, many welcomed the truce as a sign of hope.
International Reactions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the agreement “a diplomatic and moral victory for Israel,” emphasizing that “we will not stop until all hostages are home and our objectives are achieved.”
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his full support for the deal, urging all parties to uphold its terms. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking from New Delhi, hailed the news as “a moment of profound relief,” praising the role of mediators from Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the United States.
Trump publicly thanked the countries involved in the negotiations – “Blessed are the peacemakers,” he wrote – and announced that the United States would contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza.
A Historic but Complex Agreement
The deal, reached after three days of indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, is the result of intense mediation efforts led by envoys from Washington, Doha, and Ankara. According to diplomatic sources, the 21-point plan’s “first phase” includes an immediate halt to hostilities, the release of hostages, and a massive influx of humanitarian aid through the United Nations and the Red Crescent.
The future governance of the Strip and the disarmament of armed factions still need to be defined, but today’s agreement represents the most significant opening toward peace since 2023.
With over 67,000 casualties and much of Gaza reduced to rubble, the road back to normality will be long. But, for the first time in years of suffering, the word “peace” seems to have regained meaning.
As Trump stated to Fox News: “We are confident that this time peace in the Middle East will be possible. The United States will stand with those who want to rebuild and move forward.”
Among the ruins of Gaza and the brightly lit squares of Tel Aviv, hope – after so long – seems to have found its voice.
