Israelis and Palestinians rejoiced on Thursday after a ceasefire and hostage deal were announced under the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the war in Gaza.
The enemies were expected to sign the agreement in the Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh where they negotiated the biggest step yet taken to end two years of devastating warfare. The agreement on the first stage of the plan has gone into effect, Egyptian state-affiliated TV al-Qahera news reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said it would take effect only once ratified by the Israeli cabinet, which is meeting Thursday.
Palestinians and the families of Israeli hostages began celebrating after news emerged of the pact.
In Gaza, where most of the more than two million people have been displaced by Israeli bombing, young men applauded in the devastated streets, even as Israeli strikes continued.
“Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,” said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. “I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed.”
Still, Gaza residents said Israeli strikes on three Gaza City suburbs continued overnight and in the morning hours of Thursday. Lines of smoke rose over Shejaia, Tuffah and Zeitoun in the early hours, though there were no immediate reports of casualties.
The Israeli military warned north Gaza residents against returning, saying the territory remains a “dangerous combat zone.”
‘I can’t explain what I’m feeling’
Just a day after the second anniversary of the cross-border attack led by Hamas militants that triggered Israel’s devastating assault on Gaza, indirect talks in Egypt yielded an agreement on the initial stage of Trump’s 20-point framework.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump said on Truth Social.
“This means that 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,” Trump added.
Einav Zaugauker, whose son Matan is one of the last hostages, rejoiced in Tel Aviv’s so-called Hostages Square, where families of those seized in the Hamas attack that sparked the war two years ago have gathered to demand their return.
“I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe, I can’t explain what I’m feeling … it’s crazy,” she said, speaking in the red glow of a celebratory flare.
The Israeli government believes 20 of its citizens who are hostages are alive in Gaza, while another 26 have been declared dead in absentia, with the fate of two unknown.
Hamas has indicated it may take time to recover bodies scattered across Gaza.
Congratulations, optimism from world leaders
Netanyahu called the deal “a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel.”
Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also released statements commending Trump and the team of negotiators from several countries.
Several countries and world leaders released statements welcoming the development, including those in the region, like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Russia’s Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of his proposed plan for a Gaza peace deal, which would see the release of all Israeli hostages and an end to the war.
In Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated Trump, as well as Qatar, Egypt and Turkey “for their tireless work.”
“I am relieved that the hostages will soon be reunited with their families,” said Carney in a statement. “After years of intense suffering, peace finally feels attainable. Canada calls on all parties to swiftly implement all agreed terms and to work towards a just and lasting peace.”
Still yet to be hammered out are plans to govern Gaza after the war and the ultimate fate of the militant group Hamas, considered a terrorist entity by several countries — including Canada. Hamas has rejected Israel’s demands that it give up its weapons.
As well, far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition have long opposed any deal with Hamas. One of them, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, said that Hamas must be destroyed once the hostages are returned. Smotrich said he would not vote in favour of a ceasefire deal, although he stopped short of threatening to bring down Netanyahu’s coalition government.
Previous attempts to broker a lasting peace from both Trump’s diplomats and those from predecessor Joe Biden’s government did not hold, but the timing may be right this time, said Janice Stein from the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.
“Both sides are exhausted, both sides are out of options and Donald Trump finally turned up the heat and that’s why we’re here now,” said Stein.
Trump’s plan eventually calls for an international body led by Trump, and includes former British prime minister Tony Blair, to play a role in Gaza’s post-war administration.
Arab countries that back the plan say it must lead to eventual independence for a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu says will never happen.
More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its offensive in response to the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. Israel’s military has also waged campaigns that have tipped the balance of power in the Middle East in its favour, killing the leaders of Hezbollah in a campaign in Lebanon and top Iranian commanders in a 12-day war against Iran.
Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a U.S. plan to end the war in Gaza. Janice Stein from the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy joins The National to discuss why this deal could lead to a lasting end to the conflict where previous ceasefires have broken down.
But global outrage has mounted against Israel’s assault, leaving it internationally isolated. Multiple human rights experts, scholars and a UN inquiry say it amounts to genocide.
Israel calls its actions self-defence after the 2023 Hamas attack. That assault on southern Israel by the militant group killed 1,200 people, including several Canadian citizens, and involved the capturing of 251 hostages.
Trump has made no secret of his desire to be seen as a peacemaker, frequently mentioning the Nobel Peace Prize. While the 2025 prize will be announced on Friday, the deadline for nominations was several months ago, on Jan. 31.
