Gaza Ceasefire in Effect: Israel and Hamas Sign First-Phase Peace Deal — Report
14:51 09.10.2025 (Updated: 16:12 09.10.2025)
© AP Photo / Evan Vucci
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The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has come into effect, the Israeli Ynet portal reports.
The first stage of the Gaza withdrawal focuses on pulling back support units from divisions involved in recent operations in Gaza City under "Merkavot Gideon B," the report says.
The Israeli military is gradually scaling down its non-combat presence, with frontline troops set to leave the area steadily through the weekend, it furter says. Reserve forces numbering in the thousands will begin to stand down next week. By the weekend, control of most of Gaza is expected to return to Hamas, the portal stated.
However, the ceasefire agreement will only go into effect after the Israeli government approves the deal on Thursday evening, Israel's Channel 12 reports, citing a source.
The first phase of President Donald Trump’s peace plan outlines critical steps toward de-escalation between Israel and Hamas, focusing on a ceasefire and the release of captives.
Key points of the plan include:
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The release of 48 Israeli captives currently held in Gaza, with reports indicating that 20 of them are still alive.
Hostages may begin to be released as early as October 13, according to Trump.
The release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails as part of the agreement’s first phase.
Israeli troops will withdraw to a mutually agreed line, coordinated with the plan’s first stage, as announced by Trump on Truth Social.
Reactions from senior officials:
Donald Trump described the agreement as “the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deal “a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory” for his country.
Hamas expressed gratitude to Trump and the mediators involved — including Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye — highlighting that the agreement was reached after “responsible and serious negotiations” based on the US president’s proposal.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the deal, urging all parties to “abide fully” by its terms.
The Palestinian movement Hamas said on Thursday that it has handed over lists of Palestinian prisoners and is waiting for final approval on the names.
"Hamas confirms that it has submitted the Palestinian prisoner lists according to the agreed standards as part of the deal. We are now awaiting final approval on the names, and preparing to announce the names to our people through the [Palestinian] Prisoners' Media Office," Hamas said in a statement.
