Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange Deal

The State of Israel and the armed group Hamas, which operates in the Gaza Strip, have reached an agreement on the first phase of a ceasefire plan aimed at facilitating the exchange of prisoners and hostages.

The announcement was made by U.S. President Donald Trump following negotiations held in Egypt, where he had dispatched two envoys to mediate between the warring parties and present the framework of a peace initiative designed to restore stability in Gaza.

The peace roadmap, drafted by President Trump, includes 20 key provisions among them an immediate ceasefire, the exchange of hostages and prisoners, the disarmament of Hamas fighters, the establishment of a neutral interim administration in Gaza, the deployment of international peacekeeping forces, and the reconstruction of Gaza’s economy.

“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of our peace plan,” President Trump said. “This means that all hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its forces to the agreed demarcation line a vital step toward achieving lasting, meaningful peace.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the day as “historic” for his country, expressing optimism that the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas would soon be freed. He added that he would convene his cabinet on October 9 to formally approve the agreement.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that following the signing of the deal, the Chief of Staff ordered all units — especially those in active combat to remain on alert in case of any unforeseen developments.

Israel launched its large-scale military offensive in Gaza on October 7, 2023, after Hamas fighters carried out a surprise attack in southern Israel that killed more than 1,100 people and took over 250 hostages.

Currently, Hamas is believed to be holding 48 Israeli hostages, with reports suggesting only about 20 are still alive. Meanwhile, Israel continues to detain around 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and about 1,700 civilians from Gaza.

The ceasefire deal marks the first tangible breakthrough after two years of devastating conflict, raising cautious hopes that the region might finally be taking its first step toward peace.