Gaza War Ceasefire: Hostages, Prisoners to Be Exchanged/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, marking a major step in ending the two-year Gaza war. The deal includes Israeli troop withdrawals and humanitarian aid entry. U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan facilitated the agreement.
Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Deal Quick Looks
- Israel and Hamas agree to pause war, begin prisoner exchange
- All 20 living hostages to be released by Hamas within days
- Israeli military to withdraw from 70% of Gaza territory
- Deal brokered under President Trump’s proposed peace plan
- Five Gaza border crossings to reopen for humanitarian aid
- Ceasefire vote set for Israeli parliament and security cabinet
- Trump expected to visit region; calls deal a “breakthrough”
- Gaza residents and hostage families express relief and hope
- Far-right Israeli leaders express concern over prisoner release
- Deal includes future plans for Gaza security and reconstruction
Deep Look: Israel and Hamas Agree to Hostage-Prisoner Swap and Ceasefire Under Trump Plan
In a monumental development after two years of devastating conflict, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire that includes the release of all remaining living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, according to multiple officials and sources. The agreement, reached in Cairo and brokered under the framework of President Donald Trump’s peace plan, marks the most significant breakthrough in the Gaza war since it began in October 2023.
A Deal Rooted in Tragedy and Hope
The war began after a Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, over 67,000 Palestinians have died and more than 170,000 have been wounded in Israeli military operations, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
On Thursday, Trump confirmed the agreement, stating on social media:
“The hostages will come back. They are all coming back on Monday.”
While the final signing of the deal is pending, both sides appear committed to its execution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene his Security Cabinet Thursday evening, followed by a full parliament vote to approve the release of prisoners.
Details of the Ceasefire and Exchange
According to officials familiar with the agreement:
- All 20 living hostages held in Gaza are expected to be released by Monday
- Israeli troops will withdraw from about 70% of Gaza, starting as early as Thursday night
- Five border crossings, including Rafah, will reopen, allowing 400-600 trucks of aid daily
- Israel will publish a list of Palestinian prisoners scheduled for release, allowing 24 hours for legal objections
- Hostage and prisoner exchanges may begin as early as Sunday night, per Egyptian and Hamas sources
This will be the third ceasefire since the war began, but this deal carries far more weight, as it includes maps for military repositioning, humanitarian aid plans, and outlines for future governance in Gaza.
Cautious Optimism on Both Sides
In Tel Aviv, hostage families erupted in joy, popping champagne and waving Israeli and American flags. One mother, Einav Zangauker, said:
“If I have one dream, it is seeing Matan sleep in his own bed.”
In central Gaza, the mood was one of bittersweet relief. While many welcomed the pause, others mourned the scale of destruction. Mohammad Al-Farra, a displaced resident from Khan Younis, said:
“Despite our happiness, we cannot help but think of what is to come… The areas we are going back to are uninhabitable.”
Ayman Saber, another Palestinian, vowed to rebuild his destroyed home:
“I will rebuild the house, we will rebuild Gaza.”
Trump’s Peace Plan and Political Reactions
The agreement is the first official implementation of Trump’s peace proposal, which envisions:
- A permanent Israeli presence along Gaza’s border
- An international peacekeeping force led by Arab and Muslim countries
- A U.S.-led reconstruction effort
- A reformed Palestinian Authority eventually overseeing Gaza governance
- No firm commitment yet on a future Palestinian state, which remains contentious
While many praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts, concerns remain. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right coalition member, expressed “immense fear” over releasing high-profile prisoners:
“We are releasing the next generation of terrorist leaders.”
Officials also confirmed that prominent prisoner Marwan Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences, may or may not be part of the exchange — a sticking point in recent talks.
Global and Regional Support
The Qatari Foreign Ministry confirmed the deal, saying both parties agreed on all terms for phase one. Majed al-Ansari, a ministry spokesman, said:
“This agreement will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.”
Hamas issued its own statement, calling for full compliance by Israel and warning against any “disavowal or delay” in troop withdrawal or aid delivery.
Wider Implications
Although this ceasefire could bring temporary calm, major questions loom:
- Will Hamas disarm, as demanded by Israel and the U.S.?
- Who will govern Gaza in the long term?
- Can this fragile peace hold amid internal divisions in Israel and regional instability?
Still, the mood across both Gaza and Israel was one of tentative hope. From the streets of Deir al-Balah to Jerusalem, people expressed cautious optimism, weary from years of loss and displacement.
As President Trump prepares for a possible visit to the region, his administration views this as a diplomatic success and a step toward broader peace in the Middle East.
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