Israel & Hamas Agree to First Phase of Ceasefire Plan, Trump Says

Trump Confirms Initial Ceasefire Agreement Between Israel and Hamas

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: October 09, 2025

Summary: Trump announces that Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase: hostage release and Israeli troop pullback.

After years of devastating conflict, a moment of fragile hope is taking shape. On October 8, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first phase” of a peace plan, which involves releasing all living hostages held by Hamas and Israeli troops pulling back to a pre-agreed line.

According to the announcement, the plan includes a 72-hour window after Israel’s Cabinet approves the list of Palestinian prisoners to be exchanged. Once that’s done, Hamas will release all 20 surviving hostages, and Israel will begin withdrawing forces from much of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking soon after Trump’s post, welcomed the development. He said he would call a government session to ratify the agreement.

Hamas, meanwhile, confirmed the deal and appealed to guarantor states to ensure Israel fulfills its end, especially the ceasefire, troop withdrawal, and aid access to Gaza.

Across Israel, families of hostages reacted with relief and cautious celebration — the promise of seeing loved ones return brought visible emotion to Tel Aviv’s “Hostages’

In Gaza, many are exhausted by two years of war. Some remain skeptical — given the history of ceasefires that slipped — yet the announcement has sparked a flicker of hope.