Ceasefire Breakthrough in Gaza as Israel and Hamas Announce Deal

A ceasefire and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas was announced on Thursday, marking a significant step towards peace in the war-torn Gaza Strip. The agreement, brokered by US President Donald Trump, brings hope to the region after months of conflict that have killed tens of thousands and reshaped the Middle East.

Under the terms of the deal, fighting will cease, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza, and Hamas will release hostages captured during the attack that sparked the war. In exchange, Israel will release prisoners held in its custody. Israeli troops are expected to begin pulling back within 24 hours of the deal being signed.

The release of all 20 Israeli hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza is expected on Sunday or Monday. However, Hamas has indicated it may take time to recover bodies scattered across Gaza. The fate of two hostages remains unknown, while 26 have been declared dead in absentia.

Reactions on the Ground

Palestinians and families of Israeli hostages celebrated the news, with scenes of jubilation erupting in Gaza and Tel Aviv. “Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,” said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Einav Zaugauker, whose son Matan is one of the last hostages, expressed relief in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square. “I can’t breathe… it’s crazy,” she said, overcome with emotion.

International Support and Next Steps

The deal has received widespread support from Arab and Western countries, with Trump hailing it as a “major diplomatic achievement.” Western and Arab countries are meeting in Paris to discuss an international peacekeeping force and reconstruction assistance for Gaza once the fighting stops. However, many issues remain unresolved, including plans to govern Gaza after the war and the ultimate fate of Hamas ¹.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the breakthrough, far-right members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition have expressed opposition to the deal. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Hamas must be destroyed once the hostages are returned. The path forward remains uncertain, with Arab countries pushing for eventual independence for a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu has ruled out.

Summary (Culled From BBC News)

• Palestinians in Gaza and hostage families in Israel have been celebrating the breakthrough, which was announced late on Wednesday by President Trump

• A ceasefire in Gaza will begin within 24 hours of Israeli cabinet approval, an Israeli government spokeswoman says

• Israel’s cabinet and security cabinet are due to meet from 15:00 BST on Thursday, and are widely expected to sign-off on the plan

• The first phase of a deal was signed by Israel and Hamas earlier today in Egypt

• As well as the ceasefire, it will also see Hamas release Israeli hostages; Israel release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners; Israeli troops beginning to withdraw from parts of Gaza; and hundreds of trucks of aid a day entering Gaza

• Israel says the hostage release will begin within 72 hours of the ceasefire starting