EXPLAINERNews|Israel-Palestine conflictTrump announces Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal: What we know and what’s next
This is the first phase of a 20-point plan announced by Trump last week.
Regulation
On Wed, Oct 8, 2025, it was announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a peace framework aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitating the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners.
This development follows a 20-point plan aimed at resolving the conflict, which was announced on Sep 29, 2025, and has received broad international support.
The conflict has resulted in over 67,000 casualties, as reported by various international organizations.
Ceasefire Agreement Details
The agreement outlines the following key elements:
- Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of the peace plan.
- All captives are to be released imminently.
- Israeli forces will withdraw to a predetermined line.
- All parties involved will be treated equitably.
- Thanks were extended to mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye.
This announcement marks a significant milestone in efforts to end the conflict, following several months of diplomatic initiatives.
Outstanding Issues
Despite the agreement, several critical issues remain unresolved, including:
- The timing and scope of the Israeli withdrawal.
- The administrative framework for Gaza post-conflict.
- The future status of Hamas.
Negotiations continue to address these matters, with differing positions on the requirements for concluding the conflict.
Timeline for Captive Release
The release of captives could commence within 72 hours following the Israeli government’s approval of the agreement. Discussions are ongoing to finalize the logistics and timing of this process.
Reactions from Key Parties
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed the agreement, describing it as a diplomatic success. Hamas has also acknowledged the agreement but emphasized the need for compliance from all parties involved.
Next Steps
The agreement is set to be presented to the Israeli cabinet for approval. Following this, further steps include:
- The withdrawal of Israeli military forces.
- The initiation of the captive release process.
- The establishment of an international body to oversee Gaza’s post-war administration.
Future diplomatic engagements are planned to ensure the successful implementation of the agreement.