In a landmark breakthrough, Hamas and Israel on Thursday signed a ceasefire and prisoner-exchange agreement, marking the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new initiative to end the conflict in Gaza. Officials from both sides confirmed that the deal was finalized after intense indirect negotiations in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. The agreement paves the way for the release of captives and the flow of much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza after more than two years of war and devastation.
President Trump hailed the deal as a great day for the world, saying both parties had signed off on the first phase of our Peace Plan, which would see all hostages released and Israeli forces withdraw to an agreed line inside Gaza. He expressed gratitude to Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye for their mediation efforts, adding, Blessed are the peacemakers. Trump also hinted that he might travel to the Middle East later this week, possibly visiting Egypt or Gaza to monitor the peace process in person.
According to sources familiar with the details, Hamas will release 20 Israeli captives still believed to be alive in Gaza in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since the start of the war. The exchange will begin within 72 hours after the ceasefire takes effect, which is expected to be implemented within 24 hours of the Israeli cabinet’s formal ratification. However, Israeli officials confirmed that Marwan Barghouti, one of the most prominent Palestinian political prisoners, is not included in the first phase of the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would bring home all remaining Israeli captives “with God’s help.” In a post on X, he wrote, Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point. He thanked the U.S. president for his “leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages.”
Scenes of relief and celebration followed the announcement on both sides of the border. In southern Gaza’s Al-Mawasi area, crowds fired celebratory gunshots into the air and chanted “Allahu Akbar,” while in Israel, families of the captives gathered in city squares waving flags and singing in anticipation of their loved ones’ return. “We’re closely following every bit of news, said Mohammed Zamlot, a 50-year-old displaced resident from northern Gaza. All we want is peace and to see our families free.
Trump’s 20-point peace plan calls for a complete ceasefire, the release of all hostages, Hamas’s disarmament, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. His son-in-law Jared Kushner and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff also took part in the negotiations. Qatar said the deal represented the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.
The next stage of Trump’s plan envisions an international body reportedly including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to oversee Gaza’s post-war administration and reconstruction. Arab countries supporting the initiative insist that it must lead to the creation of an independent Palestinian state, a prospect Prime Minister Netanyahu firmly rejects. Hamas has said it would relinquish control of Gaza only to a technocratic Palestinian government backed by the Palestinian Authority and supported by Arab and Muslim nations, rejecting any foreign or Western-led governance.
As the guns fall silent, at least for now, the ceasefire agreement offers a rare glimpse of hope in a conflict that has taken more than 67,000 lives in Gaza, according to figures deemed credible by the United Nations. Whether this moment will mark the beginning of lasting peace or simply another pause in a long and painful struggle remains to be seen.