Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 9th October 2025, 7:14 AM
Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on Thursday to implement the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, aimed at ending a conflict that has killed tens of thousands, devastated the Palestinian territory, and triggered a major humanitarian crisis.
The deal, set to be formally signed on Thursday, encompasses the release of hostages and prisoners and a significant surge of aid into Gaza, following over two years of hostilities that began with Hamas’s unprecedented October 2023 attack on Israel.
Key Provisions of the Ceasefire
| Component | Details |
| Hostage Release | Hamas will release all hostages seized during its October 7, 2023, attack. This includes 47 hostages currently in Gaza, with 25 reportedly dead. |
| Prisoner Exchange | Hamas will exchange 20 living hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since the war began. |
| Timeline | The exchange is expected to occur within 72 hours of the deal’s implementation. |
| Israeli Troop Withdrawal | Israel will pull its troops back to a mutually agreed line as part of the first steps towards lasting peace. |
| Humanitarian Aid | A surge of aid will enter Gaza immediately following the ceasefire, providing relief to a population facing famine and widespread destruction. |
| Negotiation Oversight | Mediators include Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the United States, with Trump overseeing implementation assurances. |
US President Donald Trump, who played a central role in facilitating the agreement as part of his 20-point peace plan, stated on Truth Social: “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.”
He also expressed gratitude to mediators Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey: “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his commitment to bringing the hostages home, saying it would be accomplished “with God’s help”. Trump also indicated that he might travel to the Middle East later this week, possibly visiting Egypt and Gaza to oversee the implementation of the deal.
The talks in Egypt involved high-profile figures, including:
A Hamas source told AFP that the group had submitted a list of Palestinian prisoners it wants released as part of the first phase. Among them is Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Fatah figure. Hamas also seeks guarantees from Trump and the sponsoring nations that the war will conclude once and for all.
In southern Gaza’s coastal region of Al-Mawasi, an atmosphere of anticipation and cautious optimism was reported. AFP correspondents observed celebratory chants of “Allahu akbar” and some instances of celebratory gunfire.
50-year-old displaced resident Mohammed Zamlot said: “We’re closely following every bit of news about the negotiations and the ceasefire.”
Despite the agreement, bombardment continued in Gaza hours before the deal, with AFP journalists near the border reporting multiple explosions in the morning.
The conflict has inflicted devastating losses:
| Aspect | Statistics |
| Gaza Death Toll | At least 67,183 killed, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry; more than half are women and children. |
| Hostages Taken | 251 Palestinians kidnapped during the October 2023 attack; 47 remain in Gaza. |
| Israeli Deaths | 1,219 people killed, mostly civilians, according to official Israeli figures compiled by AFP. |
| Humanitarian Crisis | Much of Gaza flattened; UN has declared a famine; urgent humanitarian aid required. |
The deal aims to end two years of conflict, facilitate the return of hostages, and allow the entry of life-saving aid while setting the stage for broader, long-term negotiations.
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