Secretary of State Marco Rubio leans in to whisper to President Donald Trump, who holds a note from Rubio alerting him about the imminent ceasefire agreement.
Evan Vucci/AP
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Evan Vucci/AP
TEL AVIV – A landmark ceasefire has been reached between Israel and Hamas, aiming to halt the brutal conflict in Gaza that has resulted in the deadliest clashes between Israelis and Palestinians to date.
President Trump announced on Truth Social that both Israel and Hamas have endorsed the initial phase of his Peace Plan.
He stated, “This agreement ensures the imminent release of all hostages and initiates Israel’s troop withdrawal to a mutually agreed boundary, marking the first step toward a lasting and robust peace. Fair treatment for all parties involved is guaranteed. This is a monumental day for the Arab and Muslim communities, Israel, neighboring countries, and the United States. We extend our gratitude to the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, whose collaboration was vital in achieving this historic and unprecedented milestone. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
The declaration followed shortly after Trump informed reporters at the White House of his readiness to visit the Middle East as soon as this weekend.
Since Israel and Hamas do not engage in direct dialogue, the ceasefire negotiations were facilitated through intermediaries, including President Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, convening in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
The exact timing for the israel-war/” title=”How Is Lebanon's Hezbollah Bouncing Back After War with …? | In-Depth Analysis of …'s Strikes on Lebanon”>ceasefire’s implementation remains uncertain.
Reports suggest the agreement involves Hamas releasing approximately 50 hostages, both alive and deceased, while Israel plans to free nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners.
According to Trump’s outline last week, the deal also requires Hamas to disarm and relinquish its governing role in Gaza, a territory ravaged by years of conflict.
Israel is anticipated to maintain a limited military presence in Gaza initially, gradually withdrawing as the ceasefire stabilizes and peace takes root.
Details regarding these critical terms have yet to be fully disclosed.
This breakthrough follows several unsuccessful attempts and two prior ceasefires that failed to hold. A truce established in January collapsed by March when Israel resumed military operations in Gaza. Similarly, a ceasefire in November 2023 lasted only a week before disintegrating.
International backing for the current ceasefire is strong, fostering optimism that this agreement will endure. Public opinion in both Israeli and Palestinian communities overwhelmingly supports ending the hostilities.
The conflict ignited with a surprise assault by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in nearly 1,200 deaths, predominantly Israeli civilians, including many at a weekend music festival. This attack was the deadliest single-day assault on Israel since its establishment in 1948.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has been intense, causing over 67,000 Palestinian fatalities, mostly women and children. The sustained airstrikes and ground offensives have devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, destroying homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Throughout the conflict, Israel has restricted humanitarian aid, leading to severe shortages of food and medical supplies.
More than two million residents of Gaza have been displaced multiple times during the war, with the majority now confined to makeshift tent camps in the southern region near the Egyptian border.
The cessation of hostilities is expected to facilitate a swift increase in the delivery of essential supplies such as food and medicine.
However, the reconstruction of Gaza’s housing, transportation, water, and electrical systems will be a long-term endeavor spanning several years.
While the war’s end appears attainable, the complex issue of Palestinian political rights remains unresolved.
The peace plan proposes that Hamas step down after nearly two decades of governance in Gaza. It envisions the establishment of a transitional governing body composed of qualified Palestinians and international experts. This committee would be overseen by an international “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump, responsible for supervising Gaza’s reconstruction.
Regarding Palestinian statehood, the plan vaguely references a “credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood” but lacks concrete specifics.
Meanwhile, Israel emerges from the conflict with enhanced security, having significantly weakened Hamas in Gaza, struck Hezbollah in Lebanon, and targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Nonetheless, Israel faces international criticism for its conduct during the Gaza war, particularly for the high civilian death toll, restrictions on humanitarian aid, and widespread destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure.
