What We Know About the New Gaza Deal

Khabor Wala Desk

Published: 9th October 2025, 7:10 AM

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have reached a deal for the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza, following several days of indirect talks in Egypt.

The agreement was brokered by Qatar, in coordination with Egypt, the United States and Turkey. Qatar described it as the: “First phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.”

Trump, posting on his Truth Social network, stated: “ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”

The agreement is scheduled to be formally signed on Thursday in Egypt. Below is what is currently known about the deal.

Key Elements of the Deal

Component	Details
Hostage Exchange	Hamas to release 20 living hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 detained since the start of the war.
Timeline	Exchange to occur within 72 hours of implementation, coordinated with Palestinian factions.
Israeli Troop Movements	Specific troop withdrawals to coincide with the hostage exchange.
Humanitarian Aid	Minimum of 400 trucks of aid daily for the first five days, to be increased afterwards.
Return of Displaced Persons	Displaced residents from southern Gaza to return to Gaza City and northern Gaza immediately.
Oversight	Hamas urges Trump to ensure Israel fully implements the agreement without delays.

A Palestinian source familiar with the negotiations told AFP that the deal was agreed in coordination with Palestinian factions, ensuring alignment across the region.

Next Steps

Formal Signing: The deal will be officially signed in Egypt on Thursday around midday, according to an anonymous source.
Israeli Approval:Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his government on Thursday to approve the agreement.
Second Phase Negotiations: A Hamas official confirmed that talks for the second phase of the ceasefire would begin immediately following the first phase.
Trump’s 20-Point Plan: The broader plan includes a ceasefire, release of all hostages, Hamas disarmament, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari confirmed that both sides had agreed: “On all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.”

The deal represents a critical first step toward reducing hostilities in Gaza, providing humanitarian relief, and establishing the framework for longer-term peace negotiations.