Israel and Hamas confirm first phase of Gaza ceasefire deal, raising hopes for peace, aid access, and prisoner release. Read the full update now.
Key Points
- Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal.
- Netanyahu will present the deal to his government, which “will have to pass no matter what.”
- Israeli forces are expected to withdraw to designated lines after the vote.
- Captives held by Hamas could be released within 72 hours, possibly by Monday.
- Trump highlighted Israel’s growing international isolation.
- Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey played central mediation roles.
- UN Secretary-General called it a “momentous opportunity” for peace.
- Sporadic strikes continued despite the announcement.
A Fragile Breakthrough
After nearly two years of relentless fighting, Israel and Hamas have reached what may be the first real step toward ending the war: a Gaza ceasefire deal. The announcement, made by US President Donald Trump, was framed as a diplomatic breakthrough. Yet, as with most developments in this conflict, optimism is tempered by hesitation.
Qatar quickly confirmed that the deal’s provisions and mechanisms had been finalized. Egypt and Turkey, both heavily involved in mediation, also signaled their support. The fact that three regional powers were willing to publicly vouch for the agreement may suggest a stronger foundation than previous attempts. Still, history has shown how fragile such deals can be.
Netanyahu’s Next Move
According to reporting from Amman, Jordan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to present the Gaza ceasefire deal to his government. Despite the deep divisions within his right-wing coalition, analysts believe the agreement “will have to pass no matter what.”
The Israeli government is expected to convene within hours to vote. Once approved, the Israeli military will withdraw to one of the lines shown on a map that Trump posted on his social media. Seventy-two hours later, Hamas is expected to release captives, with US officials suggesting this could happen as early as Monday.
Netanyahu faces a political dilemma: if he pushes the deal through, he risks angering hardline members of his coalition who may abandon him. If he resists, he risks further isolating Israel internationally.
Trump’s Framing: Isolation and Pressure
Trump has repeatedly spoken about Israel’s growing isolation, describing it as a “pariah state.” His comments go beyond politics, pointing to economic, cultural, and diplomatic arenas where Israel has faced mounting pressure.
This framing adds weight to the argument that Netanyahu may have little choice but to accept the Gaza ceasefire deal, even if it threatens the stability of his coalition.
What the Deal Includes
Hamas outlined the main points of the Gaza ceasefire deal:
- A halt to the war.
- Withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
- Entry of humanitarian aid and supplies.
- A prisoner exchange involving Palestinians in Israeli jails and Israeli captives in Gaza.
Netanyahu described the deal as “a great day for Israel,” though many Israelis remain unconvinced. Critics argue that Netanyahu has repeatedly stalled negotiations, often adding last-minute conditions that derailed earlier talks.
The Human Toll
Numbers alone don’t capture the devastation, but they are staggering. Since October 2023, at least 67,183 Palestinians have been killed, with more than 169,000 wounded, according to Gaza’s health authorities. Thousands remain buried under rubble. On the Israeli side, 1,139 people were killed during the October 7 attacks, with around 200 taken captive.
For families on both sides, the Gaza ceasefire deal is not just a political headline—it’s a lifeline. In Gaza, it could mean food, medicine, and a pause from constant bombardment. In Israel, it may finally bring loved ones home.
A Night Without Drones
Al Jazeera’s reporters described something unusual in Gaza: silence. Families displaced by the war slept in tents without the buzz of drones or the crash of airstrikes. It was, by all accounts, the first quiet night in weeks. Whether this calm lasts is uncertain, but it offered a glimpse of what life could be if the Gaza ceasefire deal holds.
Political Spin and Public Doubt
Netanyahu credited Israel’s military campaign for forcing Hamas to the table. Yet many families of Israeli captives disagree. They argue that diplomacy—not military pressure—brought progress. Some have openly thanked Trump and US envoy Steve Witkoff, while criticizing their own government for dragging its feet.
Trump, for his part, praised Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their roles. He hinted at traveling to Egypt for the formal signing of the Gaza ceasefire deal, framing it as a diplomatic win that had eluded his predecessor.
International Response
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the announcement a “momentous opportunity” to revive a path toward a two-state solution. He urged both sides to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire deal, release hostages with dignity, and allow aid to flow freely.
The Israeli military welcomed the agreement but stressed it remained ready “for any scenario.” Hamas submitted lists of Palestinian prisoners for release, awaiting Israel’s approval.
Lingering Skepticism
Despite the announcement, Israeli strikes continued in parts of Gaza. That reality has led some analysts to question whether the Gaza ceasefire deal is more symbolic than substantive. Hamas insists on a permanent end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal, while Israel has avoided making long-term commitments.
The first phase may succeed in halting immediate violence, but whether it evolves into a lasting truce is far less certain.
Lessons From Past Attempts
This isn’t the first time a ceasefire has been announced. Previous efforts collapsed quickly, often due to shifting demands or renewed hostilities. What appears different now is the scale of international involvement and Trump’s direct engagement.
Still, even with stronger guarantees, the Gaza ceasefire deal could unravel without consistent enforcement. History suggests that both sides will test the limits of the agreement.
Why It Matters
The Gaza ceasefire deal is more than a pause in fighting. It’s a test of whether diplomacy can succeed where military campaigns have failed. For Palestinians, it could mean survival and the chance to rebuild. For Israelis, it offers the possibility of bringing captives home and easing domestic unrest.
If sustained, the deal could also reshape regional dynamics, easing tensions with neighboring states and reopening the door to broader peace talks.
Looking Ahead
The next few weeks will reveal whether this agreement is a turning point or just another fleeting pause. For now, the Gaza ceasefire deal has given civilians on both sides a rare moment of relief—and a reason, however fragile, to hope.
FAQ
- What happened in the Gaza ceasefire deal? Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a truce, including aid entry, prisoner exchange, and Israeli withdrawal.
- Why is the Gaza ceasefire deal important? It offers a chance to end two years of war, save civilian lives, and create conditions for a political solution.
- How does the Gaza ceasefire deal affect people? Palestinians may finally receive aid and relief, while Israeli families hope for the safe return of captives.
- What are the latest updates on the Gaza ceasefire deal? The Israeli government is set to vote on the deal, with troop withdrawal and prisoner release expected within days.
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