Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, marking the first phase of a wider peace plan aimed at halting the devastating Gaza war. The agreement, revealed on October 8, seeks an end to hostilities, the release of captives on both sides, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to an agreed line.
The deal forms part of Trump’s 20-point “Peace Framework,” first unveiled on September 29. The plan has been welcomed by Israel, Hamas, and mediating nations such as Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye. It also proposes the creation of an international “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s post-war governance, chaired by Trump with participation from global figures including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The Gaza conflict has left more than 67,000 Palestinians dead and reduced much of the enclave to rubble. The war began after Hamas and allied groups captured about 250 Israelis during the October 7, 2023 attack, which killed over 1,100 people in Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the ceasefire as “a great day for Israel,” while Hamas described it as a step toward ending the occupation and restoring Palestinian national rights. Both parties have agreed in principle, though disagreements remain over the timing of troop withdrawal and Gaza’s future administration.
An Israeli cabinet vote on the plan is expected Thursday, followed by a partial military pullback and the release of captives within 72 hours. Trump is also expected to visit Egypt and address Israel’s parliament to mark what he called “the dawn of a new peace.”
