In a significant breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the two-year war in Gaza, an announcement first made by US President Donald Trump.

President Trump announced the development late Wednesday in a post on the social media platform, stating that both parties had “signed off” on the initial phase. He described it as a step toward a “Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”

Qatar, a key mediator in the talks, confirmed the agreement. A spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said a deal had been reached on “all the provisions and implementation mechanisms” of the first phase, which is intended to lead to:

  • An end to the war.
  • The release of Israeli hostages.
  • The release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
  • The withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed-upon line.
  • The entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

An Israeli government spokesman indicated that the release of captives could begin as early as Saturday.

 

Reactions from the Parties Involved

  • Hamas: In a public statement, the group said the agreement stipulates “an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation’s withdrawal from it, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange.” It also called on the U.S. and other guarantor states to ensure Israel implements the deal, including the withdrawal.
  • Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “a great day for Israel” and thanked President Trump for his team’s “mobilization for this sacred mission.” He stated he would convene his government on Thursday to approve the agreement.
  • Palestinian Representative: At the UN, a Palestinian deputy ambassador reacted with a post saying, “Finally…” adding in a reply, “I barely can believe it.” 

The Trump Plan and Context

The agreement is based on a controversial 20-point plan unveiled by President Trump last week. Key elements of the broader plan include:

  • Establishing Gaza as a “deradicalised terror-free zone.”
  • Deploying an “international stabilisation force” as peacekeepers.
  • Creating a transitional interim government made up of technocrats.
  • Explicitly ruling out the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

The plan has been criticized by pro-Palestine advocates for giving general precedence to Israel’s security framing and for proposing a “Board of Peace” with Trump as its head, which some have labeled a colonial venture.

 

 

The War’s Toll

The conflict, which began in October 2023, has been devastating. According to reports, Israeli military actions have killed at least 67,183 people in Gaza and wounded over 169,841, with thousands more believed buried under rubble. Recent reports based on Israeli military intelligence data indicate that more than 80% of those killed through May of this year were civilians. Much of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure has been destroyed.