Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza
Gaza, Oct 9: Celebrations erupted across Israel and the Gaza Strip on Thursday after Israel and Hamas reached a landmark agreement under the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan, aimed at ending the devastating two-year conflict that has claimed over 67,000 lives and reshaped the region.
The agreement, brokered through indirect talks in Egypt, comes just a day after the second anniversary of Hamas militants’ cross-border attack that triggered Israel’s military offensive on Gaza. It represents the initial step in Trump’s 20-point framework for peace, including the release of all hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed-upon line.
News of the deal sparked jubilant scenes across both sides. In Israel, families of hostages set off fireworks, while Palestinians in Gaza clapped and cheered, hopeful for an end to the bloodshed. Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo from Khan Younis said, “Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing. All of Gaza is happy, all Arab people, all the world is happy with the ceasefire.”
Despite the celebrations, the agreement left several details unresolved, raising questions about its long-term durability. President Trump announced on Truth Social, “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 said he would convene the government to approve the deal, describing it as a “diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel.” Hamas confirmed that the accord includes an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a prisoner exchange.
The conflict has deeply affected the Middle East, with Israel targeting Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, top Iranian commanders, and Yemen’s Houthis. While Israel calls its actions self-defence, multiple human rights experts and a U.N. inquiry have raised concerns about violations of international law.
This first-phase agreement marks a significant step toward ending the war, offering a glimmer of hope for peace in a region long scarred by conflict.