Israel and Hamas have agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and prisoner exchange, signaling a potential end to the two-year Gaza war.
Israel and Hamas have signed a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, marking the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the two-year Gaza war that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians and isolated Israel internationally.
Under the agreement, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza while Hamas frees all remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. “Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,” said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo in southern Gaza.
Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya said he had received assurances from the U.S. that “the war was over,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the pact “a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory.”
The ceasefire, expected to take effect within 24 hours, will also allow aid trucks to enter Gaza to relieve civilians. Trump hailed the deal, expressing hope it would lead to “lasting peace.”