Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial 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. US President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Truth Social, saying all hostages would be released 'very soon' and Israeli troops would withdraw to an agreed timeline as a step towards 'Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace'.
Hamas confirmed it had accepted the US proposal, which includes an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a hostage-prisoner exchange. The Israeli government said 'all parties' had signed the final draft of phase one in Egypt on Thursday morning. The ceasefire is expected to take effect within 24 hours of ratification by Israel's security cabinet, which is scheduled to meet at 6pm BST.
Under the deal, 20 hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza will be freed within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect. Israel will withdraw to an agreed line, retaining control of 53% of the territory, and will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, senior Fatah figure Marwan Barghouti will not be among them, a government spokesperson said.
Hamas called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure full implementation, accusing Israel of 'manipulating' parts of the agreement. In Gaza, Palestinians reacted with joy and disbelief, while in Tel Aviv, hostage families celebrated, chanting 'Nobel prize to Trump'. The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, called it a moment of 'profound relief', urging immediate implementation and lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid.
