Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan in Gaza, bringing the best hope yet of ending a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and destabilised the Middle East. The deal, announced by US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social network, includes the release of all hostages held in Gaza and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Hamas confirmed it had agreed to the proposal, which includes a hostage-prisoner exchange and an Israeli withdrawal from the territory. Trump said the hostages would be released 'very soon', and Israel said the ceasefire would take effect within 24 hours of a cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday evening. The first 20 hostages believed to be alive are expected to be freed within 72 hours.
Israel will withdraw to an agreed line, leaving it in control of 53% of Gaza, and will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, senior Fatah figure Marwan Barghouti will not be among them. Hamas called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure full implementation, accusing Israel of 'manipulating' parts of the agreement.
In Tel Aviv, families of hostages celebrated, chanting 'Nobel prize to Trump' and popping champagne. In Gaza, Palestinians reacted with joy and disbelief. 'Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,' said Abdul Majeed abd Rabbo in Khan Younis.
Trump hailed the deal as a 'great day' for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, and the US. UN chief António Guterres welcomed the agreement, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a moment of 'profound relief', urging full implementation and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid.
