In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending over two years of bloodshed in Gaza. The agreement, facilitated by Egypt and endorsed by several world leaders, is set to be signed in Cairo today (October 9, 2025).
According to sources cited by AFP, this initial phase focuses on a temporary halt in hostilities, coupled with a mutual exchange of hostages and prisoners. The move is being hailed as the most significant step toward peace since the conflict erupted in October 2023.
Under the agreement, Hamas will release 20 hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 others arrested since the war began. The exchange is expected to be completed within 72 hours of implementation.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the breakthrough, calling it the “first phase of peace,” and urged both parties to “seize the moment and end decades of conflict.” Leaders from France, Egypt, and the United Nations have also expressed cautious optimism, calling it a “historic window for peace.”
If successful, the first phase could pave the way for broader discussions on reconstruction, border security, and long-term coexistence in Gaza and Israel.
