Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of US President Donald Trump's peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners, in a major breakthrough in the two-year-old war.
Hamas said separately that the deal would ensure the withdrawal of Israeli troops as well as allow for the entry of aid and the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
Uncertainty remains about some of the thornier aspects of the plan, such as whether and how Hamas will disarm, and who will govern Gaza. There are also some concerns as Israel claimed that there will be no ceasefire until cabinet approves the deal tonight. Meanwhile, Reuters claimed that a joint task force will be set up by Israel, the United States, Qatar, Turkey and Egypt to identify the bodies of deceased hostages in Gaza whose burial locations remain unknown. Here are five things to know about the first phase of the Hamas-Israel peace deal that will stop the ongoing war in Gaza Strip:
1. The key features of the first phase of the agreement are a ceasefire, a hostage–prisoner exchange, Israeli troop withdrawal, and the resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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2. Under the deal, there will be an immediate ceasefire across Gaza once it receives approval from Israel’s cabinet. Hamas will release around 20 surviving hostages, while Israel will free up to 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, including approximately 250 serving life terms.
3. Additionally, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will pull back to an agreed line inside Gaza within the first 72 hours. Humanitarian corridors will open under the supervision of the UN and the Red Crescent to ensure the delivery of vital aid.
4. The peace plan will be coordinated and monitored by Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye, and the United States. Both sides have exchanged lists of hostages and prisoners, with security guarantees to prevent clashes during transfers. The Trump administration is overseeing implementation through its “20-point peace plan.”
5. Future phases of the plan will tackle broader goals, including disarmament, governance reforms, and reconstruction of Gaza.
