Israel, Hamas agree to first phase of Gaza ceasefire

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza under a peace plan proposed by the U.S. President Donald Trump.

Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas confirmed the agreement.

Announcing the development on Thursday (October 9), Trump said both parties had signed the initial framework of the Gaza peace accord.

“All hostages will be released promptly, and Israel will withdraw its forces to an agreed line,” Trump stated, calling it “the first step toward lasting peace.”

According to The Times of Israel, all surviving Israeli hostages will be freed by Monday, while the bodies of those killed will be handed over.

Trump expressed gratitude to Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their mediation in the process.

Al Jazeera reported that the truce includes conditions for Israeli troop withdrawal, entry of humanitarian aid, and prisoner exchanges.

Analysts, however, caution that implementation remains uncertain. While the first phase covers hostage release and troop pullback, the governance of Gaza and guarantees for a permanent ceasefire are still unresolved.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi invited Trump to Cairo to attend the formal signing ceremony.

Observers describe the agreement as a significant humanitarian achievement, though the prospect of lasting peace will depend on future negotiations.