TEL AVIV / GAZA CITY — Celebrations erupted across Israel and Gaza on Wednesday night after a landmark deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump brought a ceasefire and paved the way for the release of hostages and prisoners, marking a dramatic turning point in the two-year war.
A Moment Few Believed Would Come
For months, peace efforts appeared doomed amid relentless fighting and diplomatic deadlock. But under heavy U.S. pressure, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas officials agreed to implement the first phase of Trump’s Middle East Peace Plan — a proposal that could reshape the region’s future.
Eyewitnesses described jubilant scenes in Tel Aviv and Khan Younis as the news broke. Crowds waved Israeli and Palestinian flags, chanting slogans for peace. For many, it was a day they had stopped believing would ever arrive.
Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange
According to details confirmed by Israeli and U.S. officials, the agreement includes a complete ceasefire, the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, and the exchange of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The Israeli military will also withdraw troops to an agreed line inside Gaza, allowing international observers and humanitarian convoys to enter safely for the first time since 2023.
Netanyahu Under Domestic Pressure
Mr Netanyahu, who faces elections next year, has been under mounting pressure from within Israel to secure the return of hostages and reduce casualties. Critics had accused his government of prolonging the war for political reasons.
On Wednesday, he hailed the deal as a “critical turning point,” crediting Trump’s “steadfast support and leadership” for bringing both sides to the table. “Our people can finally begin to hope again,” he said.
Hamas Leadership Backs Deal
Hamas, which has suffered heavy losses under Israeli bombardment, also endorsed the first phase of the plan. A senior Hamas spokesperson told Al Jazeera the group had agreed to release hostages “in good faith” and expects Israel to “honour all terms, including the withdrawal of troops.”
The militant group also called for “international guarantees” that Israel would not resume hostilities once the first phase concludes.
Humanitarian Corridors to Open
Aid agencies stationed along Gaza’s border welcomed the breakthrough, saying the deal could allow thousands of tonnes of food, fuel, and medical supplies into the enclave within days.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it is ready to deploy emergency teams as soon as the ceasefire takes effect. “The suffering has been immense — this agreement could be the difference between life and death for many civilians,” a UN spokesperson said.
Two Years of Devastation
The conflict, which began in October 2023 following Hamas’s deadly attack on southern Israel, has killed over 67,000 Palestinians and more than 1,400 Israelis, according to official estimates. Gaza’s health ministry says nearly half of those killed were women and children.
Entire neighbourhoods have been flattened, and the UN estimates that 85% of Gaza’s population has been displaced.
Trump Declares ‘A Great Day for the World’
Speaking from Washington, President Trump described the agreement as a “great day for the world,” confirming that both Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase.
“I’m proud to announce that all remaining hostages will be released, and Israel will begin withdrawing its troops,” Trump said in a televised statement. “This is the beginning of a lasting peace that many said was impossible.”
He added that mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey played key roles in brokering the accord during talks held in Cairo earlier this week.
Phase Two: Disarmament and Reconstruction
Diplomatic sources said the second phase of the plan — expected to begin within months — would focus on the disarmament of Hamas and the creation of an international body to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction.
Former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair is understood to be among those being considered for a leadership role in the reconstruction process, under U.S. and UN oversight.
Keir Starmer Welcomes Deal
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, currently in India on a trade visit, called the announcement “a moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world.”
He urged both sides to “implement the agreement in full, without delay” and called for the “immediate lifting of restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid.”
Skepticism Among Analysts
While world leaders hailed the deal as historic, analysts remain cautious. Middle East expert Dr. Lina Hassan told M10News the plan’s success depends on “mutual trust, which has been in short supply.”
“Israel will want assurances that Hamas will truly disarm, and Hamas will want proof that Israel won’t resume the war once the hostages are freed,” she said.
Families Dare to Hope Again
In Tel Aviv, families of hostages gathered overnight in Hostage Square, hugging and weeping as news filtered through. “We’ve been waiting 700 days for this call,” said Rachel Ben-David, whose son was abducted in 2023. “Now there’s finally a reason to believe he’s coming home.”
Cautious Optimism in Gaza
In Gaza City, residents described scenes of relief and disbelief. “We are exhausted — we want peace, not war,” said Umm Khaled, a mother of three. “If this deal means my children can sleep without bombs, I welcome it.”
A Long Road Ahead
Despite the optimism, the path to peace remains fragile. Israeli military officials said operations will be “paused, not ended,” pending full compliance by Hamas.
The IDF confirmed it remains “ready for any scenario,” while Hamas has warned it will respond to any Israeli “violations” of the ceasefire.
‘A Day That Could Change Everything’
As dawn broke over Gaza and Israel, both sides entered a rare moment of quiet. After two years of relentless bloodshed, the sound of celebration replaced the sound of rockets.
“This could be a day that changes everything,” said one Israeli journalist covering the story. “It’s only the first phase, but for the first time in years, both sides are talking — not fighting.”
M10News World Desk | Contact: worlddesk@m10news.com
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