Cairo/Jerusalem/Washington, October 9, 2025:
A major breakthrough toward ending the two-year-long Israel–Hamas war appears within reach as both sides have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire and peace deal, to be officially signed Thursday in Egypt, according to U.S. President Donald Trump.
The ceasefire agreement, marking the most significant progress in months, includes the release of hostages and prisoners and a temporary pause in fighting across Gaza.
Israel and Hamas Agree to First Phase of Ceasefire Deal
President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have accepted the first phase of his peace plan, involving humanitarian measures and an exchange of prisoners.
“We’ll be involved in helping them make it successful and keeping it peaceful,” Trump said, adding he is “very confident there’ll be peace in the Middle East.”
Hostage-Prisoner Exchange: 20 Hostages for 2,000 Prisoners
Under the first phase of the ceasefire plan, Hamas will release 20 living hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 sentenced to life imprisonment and 1,700 arrested since the war began on October 7, 2023.
The exchange is expected to occur within 72 hours after the deal’s implementation, AFP reported, citing a senior Hamas official.
Netanyahu: “With God’s Help, We Will Bring Them Home”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the progress, saying,
“With God’s help, we will bring them all home.”
Under the plan, Israeli troops will begin a partial withdrawal from parts of Gaza, returning to agreed security lines, as Hamas releases hostages and international monitors oversee the truce.
PM Modi Welcomes Trump’s Gaza Peace Initiative
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the progress, saying he “welcomes President Trump’s peace efforts” and credited Netanyahu’s leadership in moving toward a sustainable solution for Gaza.
“India supports lasting peace and humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza,” Modi stated on social media.
Global Leaders Express Optimism
Following Trump’s announcement, world leaders from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia expressed optimism, urging both sides to adhere to the agreement and begin rebuilding Gaza.
The United Nations and European Union are expected to assist in monitoring and facilitating humanitarian aid during the initial phase of the ceasefire.
“This means ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops… as first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump wrote on his social platform.
A Possible Turning Point in the Gaza War
The Gaza conflict, which erupted in October 2023, has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction. The new peace phase, if successfully implemented, could mark the beginning of long-term stability in the Middle East.
