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Israel and Hamas Begin Ceasefire Under U.S.-Brokered Peace Deal

  • Writer: Richard Sykes
    Richard Sykes
  • Oct 13
  • 2 min read

After two years of devastating conflict, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and prisoner exchange under a U.S.-brokered peace plan led by President Donald Trump. The agreement marks the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the war began in October 2023.1 2 3

President Trump displaying the signed peace agreement ending the Gaza war.
President Trump displaying the signed peace agreement ending the Gaza war.

Key Developments

  • Ceasefire Begins: Fighting halted at noon local time on Friday, October 10, 2025, with Israeli troops pulling back from Gaza4

  • Hostage Exchange: Hamas released the final 20 living Israeli hostages, while Israel began releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences1 5 4

  • Humanitarian Aid Surge: Aid convoys have resumed entry into Gaza, where over 2 million people were displaced and more than 67,000 Palestinians killed during the war1 2

  • International Applause: Trump was honored in Egypt with the Order of the Nile and praised by leaders from Qatar, Turkey, and Israel for his role in securing the deal5 4

A Deal Years in the Making

The peace plan, signed in Egypt on Monday, is the first phase of a 20-point agreement. It includes:

  • Immediate cessation of hostilities

  • Release of hostages and prisoners

  • Amnesty for Hamas members who disarm

  • Restoration of humanitarian aid

  • Future negotiations on Gaza’s governance and Hamas’s disarmament2 3

The deal follows failed attempts under previous administrations. According to Israeli negotiator Gershon Baskin, Hamas had agreed to similar terms in 2024, but Prime Minister Netanyahu refused to end the war at that time.6

Emotional Reunions and Lingering Grief

Families across Israel celebrated the return of hostages, including David and Ariel Cunio, kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attacks.5 7   Meanwhile, the bodies of 28 deceased hostages are being returned, and an international task force is working to locate others.1 4

In Gaza, Palestinians are returning to neighborhoods reduced to rubble. “It was flattened, just like everything else in Jabaliya,” said Mohamed Samy, a resident of the northern city.1

Political Fallout and Future Uncertainty

While Trump was cheered in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu faced criticism for prolonging the war. At the Knesset, Trump called for a pardon for Netanyahu, who is currently on trial for bribery and fraud.5 8

The peace deal leaves unresolved questions about Gaza’s future leadership and Hamas’s role. Further negotiations are expected in the coming weeks.





References

2Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal: October 2025 Agreement Explained. https://govfacts.org/explainer/israel-hamas-ceasefire-deal-october-2025-agreement-explained/

4Live updates: Trump, world leaders sign Gaza peace deal after Hamas .... https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/israel-hamas-peace-deal-live-updates-hostages-trump-knesset-egypt/

5Gaza Ceasefire: Trump Celebrates A Holy Land "Finally At Peace" As Israeli Hostages Are Released And Jailed Palestinians Freed - Update. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/gaza-ceasefire-trump-celebrates-a-holy-land-finally-at-peace-as-israeli-hostages-are-released-and-jailed-palestinians-freed-update/ar-AA1OlJu1

6Trump has been lavished with praise for delivering peace in Gaza – but did he really?. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/trump-has-been-lavished-with-praise-for-delivering-peace-in-gaza-but-did-he-really/ar-AA1OdIJ6

7Who are the hostages released by Hamas? Twenty freed under Trump’s peace deal after two years in captivity. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/who-are-the-hostages-released-by-hamas-twenty-freed-under-trump-s-peace-deal-after-two-years-in-captivity/ar-AA1OlTK8

 

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