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Israel and Hamas have reached a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that could bring an end to nearly two years of war in Gaza and lead to the release of Israeli hostages. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the breakthrough late Wednesday, calling it a “historic step toward peace.” The deal, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, still requires approval from Israel’s security cabinet, which will vote on it Thursday evening.
The agreement calls for an immediate halt to fighting, a phased Israeli withdrawal from parts of Gaza, and the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Officials said this is the first phase of a 20-point peace framework recently presented by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas confirmed its participation in the initial stage, adding that discussions on Gaza’s reconstruction and governance will follow in later negotiations.
If approved, Israel’s military will begin repositioning troops within Gaza and pulling back to designated areas. Preparations for this movement have already begun in southern Israel, and the process could start within a day of cabinet approval. A joint monitoring team made up of U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari officials will oversee the truce, while humanitarian agencies are preparing to increase food, medical, and relief deliveries to Gaza once the ceasefire takes effect.
News of the announcement sparked emotional reactions across both sides. In Tel Aviv, families of Israeli hostages gathered at Hostages Square, embracing and cheering after months of demanding government action. In Gaza, videos showed people celebrating in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, waving flags and lighting fireworks. Despite the joy, many residents expressed uncertainty, noting that the sounds of explosions still echoed even as the truce was being discussed.
World leaders welcomed the breakthrough and called for lasting calm. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to ensure humanitarian access and protection for civilians. France announced plans to host an international summit in Paris to discuss Gaza’s recovery and post-war governance once the ceasefire is in place.
Aid organizations also expressed cautious optimism. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said there was “a sense of relief” among families awaiting food and water supplies, while the World Health Organization said it would expand medical operations across Gaza.
However, major political and security questions remain unresolved. The future of Gaza’s leadership, Hamas’s disarmament, and Israel’s full withdrawal are still under negotiation. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner are expected to travel to the region to work on the next stages of the peace plan. Analysts warned that without clear enforcement and political transition measures, the truce could fall apart like previous short-lived ceasefires.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Israel’s military response devastated much of Gaza and sparked international condemnation over civilian casualties. Gaza’s health authorities estimate more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began—a number supported by U.N. reports but disputed by Israel.
Despite doubts, the new agreement offers the first real hope for peace in years. For families on both sides who have endured loss and uncertainty, the coming days will determine whether that hope can finally turn into lasting stability.