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A breakthrough in indirect talks has led to an agreement on the initial phase of a peace plan for Gaza, potentially ending a two-year conflict that has deeply impacted the region and drawn global attention.
In a significant development, US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, that Israel and Hamas have both agreed to the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza. This agreement, reached after three days of intensive indirect talks in Egypt, aims to bring an end to the two-year conflict that has ravaged the region.
President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, stated that this initial phase means "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."
The conflict in Gaza began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, many of them civilians, and the abduction of over 250 hostages. Israel's retaliatory military campaign has since led to tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation in Gaza. The United Nations estimates that Gaza will require more than $50 billion for reconstruction, a process that could take at least 15 years to make the Strip livable again.
The recent agreement follows persistent mediation efforts by officials from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States. These indirect talks, held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, were based on a 20-point peace plan proposed by President Trump last month. Qatar, in particular, has played a crucial role in mediating conflicts in the Middle East, including previous truces between Israel and Hamas.
While full details are yet to be officially released, reports indicate that the first phase of the deal includes the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. Of the 251 hostages initially taken, 148 were freed or rescued previously, and the bodies of 57 others were returned. Israel believes approximately 20 living hostages remain. In exchange, Israel is expected to release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, along with approximately 1,700 other Gazans detained since October 7, 2023. This includes all women and children from Gaza held by Israel.
Hamas is reportedly prepared to release all 20 living hostages as early as this weekend, with the exchange for Palestinian prisoners expected within 72 hours of the agreement's implementation. The deal also stipulates a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, with reports suggesting the Israeli army will move out of 70% of the area. Following this, crossings will be opened, and humanitarian aid will be allowed to enter Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the announcement, thanking the US for its commitment to freeing the hostages and stating he would convene the Israeli government on Thursday, October 9, 2025, to approve the deal. Hamas, in its statement, urged President Trump and the mediating states to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire and does not evade or delay its requirements. The Hostages' Families Forum expressed a mix of excitement, anticipation, and apprehension, calling for immediate government approval.
While the agreement marks a significant step, long-term questions regarding Gaza's future remain unresolved. These include whether Hamas will demilitarise, as demanded by Trump, and the eventual governance of the war-torn territory. Hamas has indicated it would cede Gaza governance only to a Palestinian technocrat government supervised by the Palestinian Authority and backed by Arab states.
The Israeli cabinet's approval of the deal on Thursday, October 9, 2025, East Africa Time (EAT), will be a critical next step. The timing of the hostage and prisoner exchange, potentially beginning as early as Saturday, October 11, 2025, or Monday, October 13, 2025, EAT, will also be closely watched. President Trump has indicated he may travel to the region this weekend to oversee implementation.
