Historic Ceasefire Deal Reached Between Israel and Hamas

Israel and Hamas have reached a first-phase ceasefire agreement aimed at freeing hostages held in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails. The deal, brokered through indirect talks in Egypt, marks a cautious step toward easing tensions after months of devastating conflict.

Hostages and Prisoners
Israel confirmed that the final draft of the ceasefire and hostage-release deal has been signed by all parties. Government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said the truce will take effect within 24 hours of a meeting of Israel's security cabinet, scheduled for Thursday at 1400 GMT, where approval of the plan is expected.

“All of our hostages, living and deceased, will be released 72 hours later, which brings us to Monday,” Bedrosian said.

Of the 251 people abducted during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack—sparking the Gaza war—47 remain in militant hands, including 25 whom Israel says are dead. In return, Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since the start of the war, according to a top Hamas official speaking anonymously. Israel has not disclosed the names of those set for release.

Controversial Prisoner Lists
Negotiations were complicated by the inclusion of high-profile Palestinian prisoners. Hamas sought the release of Marwan Barghouti, a leading figure from the rival Fatah movement. Israel, however, refused to include Barghouti, who is serving a life sentence for murder and is regarded as a terrorist by Israel, though supporters sometimes call him the “Palestinian Mandela.”

Aid and Humanitarian Relief
The ceasefire will also allow a daily minimum of 400 aid trucks to enter Gaza during the first five days, with the flow expected to increase thereafter. Already, 153 trucks are en route via the Rafah crossing, the Egyptian Red Crescent confirmed.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency is prepared to scale up support for Gaza’s devastated health system, while the UN agency for Palestinian refugees called the deal a “huge relief” and vowed to deliver essential food supplies. Displaced residents from southern Gaza will also return to Gaza City and northern areas immediately.

Scheduled Withdrawals and Guarantees
As part of the deal, Israel’s military will redeploy to an agreed “yellow line” within 24 hours. The plan outlines “scheduled withdrawals” and includes guarantees from former US President Donald Trump and the mediators overseeing the talks.

Outstanding Questions
While the ceasefire addresses immediate humanitarian and security concerns, key issues remain unresolved. Trump’s 20-point peace plan—which served as a framework for the talks—calls for Hamas disarmament and the establishment of a transitional authority in Gaza led by Trump, but these points have yet to be addressed. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed hope that the deal could pave the way for an independent Palestinian state, though Prime Minister Netanyahu and his cabinet have vowed to block such outcomes.

Next Steps
Israel’s security cabinet meeting Thursday will trigger the 24-hour ceasefire countdown, followed by the 72-hour window for the release of hostages and prisoners. The cabinet session will be immediately followed by a full government meeting. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has already declared he will oppose the deal.

Hamas officials say negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire will begin “immediately.” Talks in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, have been tightly controlled, with delegates from Hamas, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and the US working behind closed doors. Footage from Egyptian state-linked media showed negotiators embracing and in high spirits, though Hamas and Israeli delegates remained in separate rooms, with mediators shuttling between them.