UPDATE: Israel and Hamas have just announced a groundbreaking ceasefire agreement aimed at releasing all living hostages in Gaza, a significant development in a conflict that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and a humanitarian disaster. The ceasefire deal will be discussed by Israel’s cabinet at 1500 GMT, with an official signing expected later today in Egypt.
This urgent agreement follows a 20-point peace plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump, which includes Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. After more than two years of intense warfare ignited by Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, this ceasefire could pave the way for a much-needed surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the UN has declared a famine.
In alignment with the agreement, the Israeli army is preparing to withdraw troops from Gaza. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the deal will only be effective upon cabinet approval. A Hamas source revealed that the group will simultaneously exchange 20 living hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first phase of the agreement, which is set to occur within 72 hours after the cabinet meeting.
The announcement has ignited celebrations in Gaza, where many have endured relentless bombardments and displacement over the past two years. “Tears of joy flowed when I heard the news. After two years of terror and destruction, we finally have hope,” said displaced Palestinian Samer Joudeh.
In Israel, thousands gathered in a square in Tel Aviv, many donning stickers reading: “They’re coming back.” Laurence Ytzhak, a local resident, expressed, “We have waited for this day for 734 days. We cannot imagine being anywhere else this morning.”
The negotiations are currently taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, as officials hope this ceasefire could be the first step toward ending the ongoing conflict. Arab leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, have expressed optimism that this ceasefire may lead to a permanent resolution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, though deeper issues remain unaddressed.
The deal has drawn international praise, with Qatar describing it as the “first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.” Under the terms, the hostages would be released in exchange for a total of 250 Palestinians sentenced to life imprisonment and 1,700 others detained since the war began.
While Netanyahu vowed to bring the hostages home “with God’s help,” Trump hinted at a possible trip to the Middle East this week to show support for the negotiations. Reports indicate that Secretary of State Marco Rubio interrupted a White House event to inform Trump of the progress made in Egypt.
Hamas has provided a list of Palestinian prisoners for release in exchange for the remaining hostages, which include both living individuals and those confirmed dead. According to recent data, Israel’s military operations have resulted in at least 67,183 fatalities in Gaza, with the UN estimating that over half of the deceased are women and children.
Pressure for a resolution has intensified, especially as a UN probe last month accused Israel of committing genocide, a claim the Israeli government has firmly denied. Meanwhile, Hamas has also faced accusations of war crimes.
As the countdown begins for the anticipated hostage exchange, the world watches closely, hoping this ceasefire leads to lasting peace in a region long plagued by violence.
