Hamas, Israel sign first phase of peace deal, paving path for permanent ceasefire

The path to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza has been paved, with Israel and Hamas signing the first phase of the US-proposed Gaza peace deal.

US President Donald Trump announced in a message on social media that under the deal, all hostages will be released soon, while Israel will withdraw its troops to the agreed line.

Trump said that this is the first major step in a long-term and sustainable journey to peace and that all parties will be treated fairly.

He thanked the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey who played a role in this historic and extraordinary agreement, saying that this day is a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, all neighboring countries, and the United States.

The Qatari ministry also says that an agreement has been reached on the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which will result in an end to the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the provision of aid. Details will be announced later.

The mediators announce that tonight an agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.…

— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) October 8, 2025

Hamas’s official statement on agreement

Hamas has issued its first official statement after US President Donald Trump announced the first phase of the peace plan between Israel and Hamas.

It said that an agreement has been reached, which includes provisions for an end to the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the provision of aid, and the exchange of prisoners.

Hamas called on the US president, Arab mediators, and international parties to bind Israel to fully implement all the terms of the agreement and prevent it from any delay or breach of promise.

Israeli PM's Reaction to the Agreement

After the signing of the agreement between Israel and Hamas, Netanyahu issued a brief statement saying that the Israeli government is committed to the safe return of its citizens and that it will bring back all its hostages.

According to Israeli media, under the agreement, Hamas will release all 20 living hostages within a reasonable time.

According to US media, the release of the Israeli hostages is expected on Saturday or Sunday.