Egypt (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Israel and Hamas agree on first-phase Gaza ceasefire with hostage release and troop pullback, praised by US President Donald Trump as a major peace step.
As reported by The Guardian, following peace talks in Egypt, Israel and Hamas have reached a deal to halt fighting and exchange hostages, raising hopes of ending the two-year Gaza war.
Hamas’ views on the Gaza ceasefire deal
Hamas confirmed on Thursday that it finalized a deal after US-mediated negotiations, including Israeli withdrawal and a hostage-prisoner exchange.
The group urged President Trump and guarantor nations to ensure Israel’s full compliance with the ceasefire.
Hamas announced it plans to release the 20 surviving hostages as early as this weekend, while sources confirmed a prisoner exchange within three days of the deal’s signing.
The group said US President Donald Trump and other mediating nations, including Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, must ensure Israel
“fully implement the agreement’s requirements and not allow it to evade or delay the implementation of what has been agreed upon.”
Hamas confirmed it agreed to the “first phase” plan to end
“the war of extermination against our Palestinian people and the occupation’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.”
Donald Trump’s stance on the Gaza ceasefire
Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social page that all hostages in Gaza would be released, with Israeli forces set to withdraw, calling it the start of a “Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”
Mr Trump described the day as “great” for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, the surrounding countries, and the US.
He posted,
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our peace plan.”
President Trump added,
“We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance on the Gaza peace deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the initial Gaza peace agreement with Hamas a “national and moral victory.”
A US official told Axios that the Israeli government must approve the agreement before Hamas releases its hostages.
Mr Netanyahu posted on X,
“From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals are achieved. 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 added,
“I thank President Trump for his leadership, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages.”
With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home. This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel.
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 8, 2025
From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals…
The Israeli prime minister said,
“Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home.”
He stated,
“I thank the heroic soldiers of the IDF and all the security forces, thanks to whose courage and sacrifice we have reached this day.”
Mr Netanyahu continued,
“With the help of the Almighty, together we will continue to achieve all our goals and expand peace with our neighbours.”
Qatar’s views on the Gaza ceasefire agreement
Majed al-Ansari, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman, stated,
“An agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.”
He added,
“The details will be announced later.”
António Guterres’s views on the Gaza peace deal
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the Gaza peace deal and urged all parties to comply with its terms fully.
He said,
“All hostages must be released in a dignified manner. A permanent ceasefire must be secured. The fighting must stop once and for all.”
Mr Guterres called for the swift and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian supplies to the war-affected territory.
Keir Starmer’s views on the Israel-Hamas peace deal
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the announcement that Hamas and Israel reached the initial phase of the peace agreement.
He called it “a moment of profound relief” for hostages, their families, and Gaza’s civilians after two years of suffering.
Mr Starmer said,
“I am grateful for the tireless diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the United States, supported by our regional partners, in securing this crucial first step.”
He stated,
“This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
The prime minister added,
“We call on all parties to meet the commitments they have made, to end the war, and to build the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict and a sustainable path to a long-term peace. The UK will support these crucial immediate steps and the next stage of talks to ensure the full implementation of the peace plan.”
How has the IDF warned Palestinians about Gaza safety?
The Israeli Defence Forces told Palestinians that returning to Gaza City remains “extremely dangerous.”
Avichay Adraee, the force’s Arab spokesman, said,
“The area north of Wadi Gaza [the river valley] is still considered a dangerous combat zone. IDF forces continue to surround Gaza City, and returning to it is extremely dangerous.”
He added,
“For your own safety, refrain from returning north or approaching areas where IDF forces are deployed and operating throughout the Gaza Strip, including in the south and east, until official instructions are issued.”
The IDF ordered its troops to remain on high alert and prepared for all possible scenarios.
The forces said in a statement,
“The forces’ preparations will be carried out in accordance with the directives of the political echelon and the stages of the agreement, with responsibility and safeguarding the security of our soldiers. At the same time, the Chief of the General Staff instructed to prepare for leading the operation to retrieve the hostages, expected to be carried out with sensitivity and professionalism.”
It added that the IDF
“will continue to act to achieve the war’s objectives and to defend the citizens of the State of Israel on all fronts.”
Gaza deal’s impact on the Middle East conflict
The agreement reached in Sharm el-Sheikh after three days of talks remains unclear on many details, with significant challenges expected in implementation.
In recent days, negotiators have closed gaps between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of President Trump’s 21-point peace plan.
It remained uncertain whether any progress had been made on major issues, such as Hamas’ demilitarisation and full governance of Gaza.
The deal, if fully implemented, would bring Israel and Hamas closer than ever to ending the conflict that has expanded regionally, involving Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, and reshaping the Middle Eastern landscape.
Israel’s military campaign’s impact on Gaza civilians
Hamas launched an attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, claiming 1,200 lives, mostly civilians. Israel’s response caused massive Palestinian casualties.
After President Trump got involved, Israel slowed down its attacks in Gaza, but some strikes are still happening. In the last 24 hours, eight people were killed, much fewer than the daily deaths last month.
Israel intercepts flotillas heading to Gaza
Israel intercepted two flotillas attempting to reach Gaza in recent weeks. This includes the Global Sumud Flotilla with about 42 boats, and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition with 9 boats.
The total number of boats intercepted includes approximately 51 vessels.
The humanitarian aid on the latest flotilla included medical supplies and food, valued at over $110,000. Previously, the Global Sumud Flotilla was carrying only a symbolic quantity of supplies.
Israel intercepted these flotillas attempting to break the Gaza blockade, accusing them of violating security protocols. Activists claim the flotillas were carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza’s civilians.