Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first stage of a U.S.-brokered peace plan for Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday.
The agreement involves a prisoner–hostage exchange, a temporary ceasefire, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory after months of conflict.
Israel’s cabinet is expected to meet at 14:00 Jerusalem time (12:00 BST) to approve the plan formally. If endorsed, a ceasefire could begin shortly afterwards. According to U.S. officials, all remaining Israeli hostages are expected to be released on Monday, in what would mark a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
Under the agreement, Hamas will release the remaining Israeli hostages it holds, while Israel will free a number of Palestinian prisoners in return. Israeli forces will begin withdrawing from parts of Gaza to allow humanitarian aid convoys to enter. The aim is to create space for further negotiations on subsequent phases of the peace plan.
Hamas has confirmed its acceptance of the deal, but a Palestinian source told the BBC the group has not yet received the final list of prisoners to be released. Disputes over prisoner names and numbers have derailed previous agreements, and officials on both sides acknowledge this remains a sensitive point.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the agreement, calling it “a great day for Israel.” The deal comes amid intense pressure from hostage families and sections of the Israeli public for the government to secure their release. However, Netanyahu faces political risks at home. Hardline members of his governing coalition have previously criticised any concessions to Hamas, and the prisoner release is likely to provoke debate within his cabinet.
For Hamas, agreeing to the deal brings both strategic and humanitarian benefits. After months of bombardment and worsening living conditions in Gaza, the group can claim a political victory through the release of Palestinian prisoners while easing the humanitarian crisis on the ground.
The U.S. administration has played a central role in mediating the agreement, working closely with Egyptian officials. Trump has framed the deal as part of a broader American diplomatic push in the Middle East, reminiscent of his earlier role in brokering the Abraham Accords.
International reaction has been broadly positive. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the development as “a moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world.” European governments have welcomed the news cautiously, while aid agencies have urged both sides to guarantee safe and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.
On the ground, celebrations erupted in parts of Gaza, while in Israel, hostage families reacted with cautious optimism. Many have expressed hope that the agreement will bring their relatives home after months in captivity.
The deal is widely seen as a crucial first step rather than a final settlement. Key issues remain unresolved, including the scope of Israeli withdrawals and mechanisms to monitor the ceasefire. Future phases of the peace plan will address longer-term political questions, including the governance of Gaza and security arrangements.
For now, the world is watching closely to see whether the fragile agreement can hold — and whether it will pave the way for a more lasting peace.
