Israel and Hamas Agree to “First Phase” Ceasefire: Hostage Release, Troop Withdrawal Loom
October 9, 2025
In a momentous breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have formally agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire designed to pause hostilities, release hostages and prisoners, and reposition Israeli forces — offering renewed hope for an end to the devastating Gaza conflict. The accord represents one of the most concrete steps yet toward a potential long-term resolution.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
- Hostage Release: Hamas pledged to free the 20 living hostages by this weekend, with exchanges of Palestinian detainees to occur within 72 hours of formalizing the deal.
- Troop Withdrawal: Israel will pull back its troops to a mutually agreed line, marking the start of a phased redeployment.
- International Guarantees: Hamas urged guarantor states — the U.S., Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt — to monitor and ensure full compliance by Israel.
President Donald Trump announced the deal on Truth Social, saying all hostages would be released soon and describing it as the beginning of a “Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”
Reactions from Leaders and Families
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a “great day for Israel,” vowing to convene his cabinet for formal approval. He expressed “deep gratitude” to President Trump and his team for their commitment to what he called a “sacred mission.”
In Tel Aviv, families of hostages and supporters gathered in Hostage Square, many chanting “Nobel Prize for Trump” as tears of relief and joy filled the crowd. Across Gaza, residents expressed cautious optimism — a mix of joy, disbelief, and exhaustion after two years of relentless bombardment.
Global Reactions and Diplomatic Praise
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the deal, urging all parties to respect its terms. From India, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a moment of “profound relief” and stressed the immediate need to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Trump told Fox News that the U.S. would assist in Gaza’s reconstruction and in maintaining peace: “We’ll be involved in helping them make it successful, and helping it stay peaceful.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite optimism, many unresolved questions remain — from Hamas’s disarmament and the future governance of Gaza to mechanisms ensuring compliance. Some Israeli airstrikes reportedly continued even after the announcement, with Gaza health officials confirming several casualties.
The deal’s success will depend on the good faith of both parties and the oversight of international guarantors. Still, the agreement marks the closest step yet toward ending the Gaza war, which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed over 1,200 people and led to devastating retaliatory strikes that left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead.
Why This Matters
This ceasefire — if fully implemented — could represent the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the war began. It promises immediate relief for civilians, a framework for prisoner exchanges, and perhaps the foundation for a lasting peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions.