Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt — October 9, 2025
In a landmark development, Hamas has officially announced a ceasefire agreement with Israel, marking a potential turning point in the two-year-long war that has devastated Gaza and claimed over 67,000 lives. The agreement, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump and facilitated by mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, was signed in Sharm el-Sheikh and hailed by international leaders as a “moment of profound relief.”
According to Hamas’s statement, the deal includes:
- A complete cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
- Full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Strip.
- Immediate entry of humanitarian aid.
- A prisoner exchange involving 20 Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees
President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, declared:
“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his cabinet would vote to approve the agreement later today, calling it a “diplomatic success and a moral victory for the State of Israel”
Global Reactions
World leaders have welcomed the deal. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both parties to fully implement the agreement and ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “a crucial first step,” while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the leadership of Netanyahu and expressed hope for lasting peace.
Scenes of Celebration and Caution
In Gaza, crowds gathered near Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis to celebrate the announcement, clapping and cheering in the early morning hours. In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, families of captives embraced and sang songs of hope. However, both sides remain cautious, with the Israeli military warning troops to “be ready for any scenario”
While the ceasefire is a major breakthrough, key issues remain unresolved, including Hamas’s disarmament and the future governance of Gaza. The agreement is the first phase of Trump’s 20-point peace framework, which aims to secure a permanent end to hostilities and rebuild Gaza with international support .
As the world watches, hopes are high—but so is the pressure to ensure this truce holds.