Israel and Hamas Agree to First Phase of Peace Deal
After over two years at war, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal that will pause the fighting in Gaza and is giving hope to millions for an end to the bloodshed.
President Donald Trump made the announcement late Wednesday on his Truth Social platform, declaring the deal a step toward a “Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.” The agreement, confirmed by both Hamas and Israel, will see hostages released, Israeli troops withdrawn, and Palestinian prisoners freed, potentially as early as this weekend. Trump described the development as a “historic and unprecedented event”, thanking Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for mediating. “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!” he posted.
“This is a great day for Israel,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it a “diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the state of Israel.” Families of hostages gathered in Tel Aviv overnight, chanting “Nobel prize to Trump”, while hugging, cheering, and opening champagne.
In Gaza, the mood was cautious but joyful. “Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,” said one man in Khan Younis. “All of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy.”
What’s in the Deal?
This first phase is part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, announced last month. The key steps of the peace plan are:
- Israel will withdraw troops to a previously agreed line within 24 hours.
- After Israel has withdrawn, Hamas will release their remaining hostages within 72 hours.
- Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including some serving life sentences.
- Humanitarian aid corridors will open, allowing much-needed relief into Gaza.
A broader plan to rebuild Gaza and eventually form a new governing body will follow.
A Turning Point for Gaza—But Challenges Are Still Ahead
While the ceasefire is seen as the most significant breakthrough yet, both sides know how fragile it is. Two earlier ceasefires in the war have already collapsed—one lasting 10 days, another lasting six weeks. Key issues like Hamas disarmament and who will govern Gaza, which are both part of Trump’s peace plan, remain unresolved.
Trump’s plan proposes a “Council of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and governance. He told Fox News, “I think you’re going to see Gaza being rebuilt. We’re forming a council, a Council of Peace we think it’s going to be called.”
A transitional government in Gaza is part of the broader vision, potentially involving former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and others. Trump has hinted he may visit the region as early as Friday, with Netanyahu inviting him to speak in the Israeli Knesset.
International Reactions
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the agreement and urged all parties to stick to it. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a moment of “profound relief”, saying:
“This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
A Devastated Region
The cost of the conflict has been staggering. Over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed—many of them civilians and children. Gaza’s infrastructure is in ruins, with entire towns reduced to rubble. More than 1,200 Israelis were killed in the initial Hamas attack on 7th October 2023, with 251 people taken hostage.
In recent weeks, Israel had scaled back its military campaign at Trump’s request. On the eve of the ceasefire, only eight people were killed in Israeli strikes—the lowest death toll in weeks.
But the region remains volatile. On Wednesday, Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla carrying international activists. Organisers accused Israel of operating outside its legal jurisdiction, but Israel has dismissed the event as a stunt.
What’s Next?
The first phase is just the beginning. Future stages in Trump’s plan include:
- Complete withdrawal of Israeli forces
- Disarmament of Hamas
- Massive international aid to rebuild Gaza
- Formation of a transitional Palestinian-led government
- Talks on Palestinian statehood
But none of this will be easy. Hamas has demanded guarantees that Israel won’t walk back on its commitments. Hamas said in a statement that the US and other mediating countries should not allow Israel to “evade or delay the implementation of what has been agreed upon.”
With the Board of Peace still a concept on paper, and thorny issues like disarmament still unresolved, the road to lasting peace is long. Still, as Trump put it: “This is a wonderful day, a wonderful day for everybody.”
And after years of war, that sentiment—however fragile—is something many are willing to hold on to.
