Israel, Hamas Agree to First Phase of Peace Plan

Israel and Hamas agreed on Thursday to the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire designed to end a devastating war that has killed tens of thousands, destroyed much of the Palestinian territory, and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.

The agreement, set to be signed Thursday, includes provisions for the release of hostages and prisoners, along with a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. The war began after Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel in October 2023.

Under the deal, Hamas will release all hostages, while Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line, US President Donald Trump announced after peace talks in Egypt produced a breakthrough on his 20-point plan.

Qatar confirmed that this marks “the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement,” which aims to end the war, ensure the release of hostages and prisoners, and allow large-scale aid deliveries.

According to a Hamas source quoted by AFP, the first phase involves exchanging 20 living hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners—250 serving life sentences and 1,700 detained since the start of the war. The exchange is expected to take place within 72 hours of the agreement’s implementation.

“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our peace plan,” Trump said on his Truth Social account. “This means that all hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw troops to an agreed line as the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.”

Trump thanked mediators Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, declaring, “Blessed are the peacemakers!” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hoped to bring the hostages home “with God’s help.”

Trump hinted he might visit the Middle East later in the week, saying he was “most likely” to travel to Egypt and possibly even Gaza. His plan calls for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, Hamas’s disarmament, and a phased Israeli withdrawal.

As night fell over southern Gaza’s Al-Mawasi area, residents awaited the announcement with chants of “Allahu akbar” and celebratory gunfire. “We’re following every bit of news about the ceasefire,” said Mohammed Zamlot, a 50-year-old displaced resident from northern Gaza.

The negotiations took place on the eve of the second anniversary of Hamas’s 2023 assault on Israel, which killed 1,219 people—mostly civilians—and saw 251 hostages taken into Gaza. According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israel’s military campaign has since killed at least 67,183 people, over half of them women and children, figures the UN considers credible.

With famine spreading and most of Gaza in ruins, global pressure has mounted to end the conflict. Among the prisoners Hamas has requested for release is Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, according to Egyptian media.

Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said the group seeks “guarantees from President Trump and the sponsor countries that the war will end once and for all.”