After more than two years of escalating conflict, a significant breakthrough is emerging in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. On October 8­–9 2025, Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas announced that they had signed the first phase of a peace agreement brokered, and publicly championed, by Donald Trump.

The agreement includes an immediate cease-fire, a pause in large-scale military operations, and the opening of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel agreed to withdraw troops from parts of Gaza to an “agreed upon line” as part of this phase.

Hamas committed to the release of hostages, and Israel committed to the release of some Palestinian prisoners. The deal is built upon a larger “20-point” plan introduced by Trump late September 2025, outlining the reconstruction of Gaza, future governance models, and demilitarization.

For citizens in Israel and Gaza (and around the world), this brings hope for the end of a conflict that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack into southern Israel and the war rapidly escalated. In Gaza, tens of thousands of Palestinians have died or been injured; in Israel, many civilians and soldiers have been killed or captured. The human cost has been enormous. The deal can bring an influx of aid, rebuild schools and hospitals in Gaza, and offer children who grew up under war a chance at stability and hope.

The full deal has not yet been fully implemented. Key details remain unresolved, especially around disarmament, the structure of Gaza’s future governance, and ensuring that the cease-fire holds. Critics warn that previous truces collapsed; so the question now is whether both sides, or more importantly, external guarantors like the U.S., Egypt and Qatar—can ensure compliance.  On the Israeli side, families of hostages are waiting. Some hostages have been freed, but full implementation (especially the exchange and full withdrawal) is still pending.

It’s important to note that it’s not “peace achieved” yet — rather, it’s the opening of a new chapter. Words on paper must turn into action. If things go well, this could mark the beginning of a lasting peace—and a chance for those in Gaza and Israel to look ahead to a future without conflict. If it falters, the consequences could be painful for many who dared to hope.

As of publication, Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the ceasefire. Israel also calls Hamas’ return of partial remains of previously recovered hostage a “clear violation” of the peace deal.

Just a week ago, Vice President JD Vance praised the peace deal as saying “It is going better than expected.”

As of October 28th, Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered powerful, immediate attacks to be carried out. President Trump has since pressed Hamas to act faster in returning the bodies of deceased hostages. Hamas has said the return of the remaining bodies may take some times, due to the destruction in Gaza.

` In the meantime, Egyptian equipment and specialists have been deployed to Gaza to help in their efforts to carry out the peace deal.