Dawn of peace: Gaza ceasefire approved, first phase of Trump's plan successful

TEL AVIV: The two-year-long Gaza conflict has come to an end. Israel and Hamas have accepted the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan, officially signing the final draft. The marathon talks, which began in Egypt on Monday, concluded early Thursday morning. Once the Israeli cabinet gives its approval, a ceasefire will take effect in Gaza within 24 hours. The cabinet met last night to finalise the decision.

As part of the agreement, 20 of the 48 hostages still alive in Gaza will be released on Monday. The bodies of those killed will be handed over in stages.

Since the war began on October 7, 2023, there have been two temporary ceasefires and hostage exchanges. But now, Trump claimed, a path toward permanent peace has been established.

However, Israel insists that a complete military withdrawal will happen only if Hamas lays down its weapons, while Hamas maintains it will not disarm until a Palestinian state is recognised—a demand Israel refuses to accept. Negotiations will continue under the mediation of the U.S. and Arab nations, and Trump is expected to arrive in Egypt within two days.

Agreement: Two phases

Phase 1

• Within 24 hours of the ceasefire, Israeli forces will withdraw to designated areas.
• Currently, 80% of Gaza is under Israeli control; this will drop to 53% after withdrawal.
• Within 72 hours, Hamas will release the remaining living hostages.
• Israel will free 1,950 Palestinian prisoners, including several serving life terms.
• Between 400 and 600 trucks carrying food, medicine, and essential supplies will enter Gaza daily.

Phase 2

• An International Peace Board, led by Trump, will oversee Gaza’s future governance and reconstruction.
• A temporary Palestinian committee will administer Gaza before transferring authority to a restructured Palestinian Authority, according to Trump. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly endorsed this part yet.
• Hamas has agreed in principle to a Palestinian government supported by Arab and Muslim nations, but has not accepted a clause barring its participation in Gaza’s administration.

“This is a great day. We will bring our loved ones home.”

— Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister

“We will rebuild Gaza and make it secure.”

— Donald Trump, U.S. President

“We will achieve freedom and self-determination.”

— Hamas statement

Casualties (as of yesterday)

Gaza: 67,194 deaths

Israel: 1,195 deaths (since October 7, 2023)

Israeli soldiers killed: 466