Israelis and Palestinians erupted in celebration on Thursday after the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage deal, the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the war in Gaza.
The agreement, signed in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, marks the most significant breakthrough since the conflict began two years ago.
Egypt’s Qahera TV confirmed the ceasefire took effect shortly after noon local time (0900 GMT), though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said implementation awaited cabinet approval, expected later in the evening.
Despite the truce announcement, residents in Gaza reported air strikes on several neighborhoods as the signing took place.
Under the agreement, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza, while Hamas will release hostages captured during its 2023 cross-border attack in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
According to sources familiar with the deal, Israeli forces are expected to begin their pullback within 24 hours of the official signing.
An Israeli official said the remaining 20 hostages believed to be alive in Gaza are set for release on Sunday or Monday. Hamas has also pledged to help recover the bodies of 26 declared dead and locate two others whose status remains unknown.
Scenes of jubilation swept through both Gaza and Tel Aviv. In southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, resident Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo said, “Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing.
All of Gaza, all the Arab world, is happy.” In Israel, families of hostages gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, embracing news of their loved ones’ imminent return.
Despite the optimism, fighting persisted. Residents reported continued Israeli strikes on Gaza City suburbs Shejaia, Tuffah, and Zeitoun early Thursday, with at least nine Palestinians killed in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The ceasefire comes just a day after the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, which killed 1,200 people in Israel and led to a devastating Israeli military campaign that has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza officials.
Trump hailed the deal as “the first phase of our Peace Plan,” adding that it would pave the way for “a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.” Netanyahu called it “a diplomatic success and a moral victory,” though far-right members of his coalition criticized the move, insisting Hamas must be eliminated.
The next phase of Trump’s 20-point framework envisions an international body—led by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair—to oversee Gaza’s post-war administration.
Arab nations supporting the plan say it must ultimately lead to an independent Palestinian state, a prospect Netanyahu firmly rejects.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi described the agreement as “an historic moment,” while Saudi Arabia said it marked “an important step toward a comprehensive and just peace.”
Whether the fragile truce holds remains uncertain—but for now, both sides are experiencing a rare moment of relief after years of relentless bloodshed.