In a major diplomatic breakthrough aimed at ending one of the bloodiest conflicts in recent history, Israel announced on Thursday that it has signed the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release agreement with Hamas. The deal, brokered under the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, is seen as a critical step toward halting months of devastating warfare that has claimed tens of thousands of lives in Gaza.
Israeli officials confirmed that the agreement was ratified by the country’s cabinet late Wednesday and is expected to take effect within 24 hours. The truce represents the initial stage of a broader 20-point peace framework proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, with future phases expected to address long-term governance, reconstruction, and security arrangements for Gaza.
Under the terms of the first phase, Hamas will release 48 Israeli captives — including both living and deceased individuals — within 72 hours of the ceasefire’s commencement. Of this number, about 20 are believed to be alive. In return, Israel will free more than 1,700 Palestinian detainees, including all women and minors held in Israeli jails, as well as around 250 long-term prisoners. However, Israeli authorities have ruled out the release of high-profile Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti.
The ceasefire also mandates a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from key areas in Gaza, allowing displaced residents to begin returning to their homes, especially in the north. Reports from local sources on Thursday indicated that some families have already started moving back to previously evacuated areas following the initial troop pullbacks.
Hamas’s Gaza chief, Khalil al-Hayya, stated that the group received “clear guarantees” from the U.S. and mediating countries confirming that the war has officially ended. The United States, according to diplomatic sources, plans to deploy 200 personnel to assist in coordinating humanitarian logistics and monitoring the truce from the Israeli side.
Despite the optimism surrounding the deal, observers warn that the path ahead remains fragile. Several critical issues, including Gaza’s postwar governance, reconstruction funding, and disarmament processes, are yet to be finalized. Far-right members of the Israeli government, such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, have also voiced opposition to the agreement, describing it as a “dangerous concession” to Hamas.
Humanitarian organizations have hailed the ceasefire as a necessary step to address Gaza’s worsening crisis. Aid agencies estimate that nearly 80 percent of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with thousands still trapped in dire conditions.
While both sides have agreed to implement the ceasefire immediately, sporadic fighting was still reported in parts of Gaza Thursday night. Mediators hope these incidents will subside as verification mechanisms are established in the coming hours.
As the world watches closely, hopes are high that this truce — unlike previous ones — will pave the way for a permanent peace settlement and mark the beginning of Gaza’s long-awaited recovery.