Hostages held in Gaza could be freed within days following an agreement between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of a peace deal brokered by US President Donald Trump.
Announcing the breakthrough, President Trump said the deal would facilitate the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave.
Israel’s government is expected to meet later today to formally approve the deal, with a ceasefire set to take effect immediately upon endorsement. Washington says all remaining Israeli hostages could be released by Monday.
However, a Palestinian source revealed that Hamas has not yet received the final list of prisoners Israel intends to release in exchange.
Hamas confirmed its acceptance of the deal, describing it as “a crucial step towards easing tensions and ending the prolonged conflict.” Despite widespread optimism, analysts note that key details remain unresolved, and the durability of the peace process is uncertain.
Celebrations erupted across Gaza and several Israeli towns as news of the accord spread. Families of captives and civilians affected by the conflict expressed relief, calling the deal a “glimmer of hope” after months of violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as “a great day” for Israel, describing it as “a critical step towards restoring peace and bringing our people home.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the development, saying it was “a moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world.”
The peace deal follows weeks of high-stakes negotiations mediated by Egypt and supported by Washington, marking one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs in the Middle East in recent years.
Diplomats have, however, cautioned that the success of the ceasefire and prisoner exchanges will depend on both sides’ commitment to honouring the terms of the agreement in the coming days.
