Israel and Hamas sign Gaza peace deal: All you need to know
After more than two years of devastating war, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a U.S.-brokered peace deal that could mark a major turning point in one of the most entrenched conflicts in the Middle East.
The agreement, announced on 9 October 2025, includes a complete ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s in the Agreement?
According to news agency Reuters, the deal, negotiated with strong U.S. involvement, includes several core components:
- An immediate ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas militants.
- Release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza, both alive and deceased, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
- Phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of Gaza.
- Entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza at scale.
- Commitment to diplomatic follow-up, including an expected visit by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who played a key role in brokering the deal.
Why now?
The war, which began in October 2023, has led to the deaths of over 67,000 Palestinians and more than 1,200 Israelis, according to international observers. Efforts at de-escalation had repeatedly failed until recent weeks, when diplomatic momentum increased due to a combination of U.S. pressure, mounting international outcry, and shifts in political dynamics inside Israel and Gaza.
What Are the Phases of the Deal?
The deal is structured in three phases:
- Phase One: Six-week truce, release of women, children, and elderly hostages; Israel releases Palestinian detainees; humanitarian aid flows into Gaza.
- Phase Two: Release of remaining hostages and continued prisoner swaps; Israeli military repositioning outside of dense civilian areas.
- Phase Three: Exchange of deceased hostages and combatants’ remains; long-term reconstruction of Gaza; discussions on future governance and demilitarisation.
Who brokered the deal?
The deal was brokered primarily by the United States, with former President Donald Trump playing a direct diplomatic role. According to AP, Trump is expected to visit Israel in the coming weeks to address the Knesset and push for continued progress on post-war arrangements.
What’s the reaction?
In Jerusalem, residents expressed cautious optimism. “We’re very happy to hear that. It’s about time. After two years, we want our people back,” said one resident in footage aired by local broadcasters. The hostage releases are especially significant to Israeli public opinion, which has remained fixated on their return.
Palestinian factions have issued mixed responses. While Hamas has agreed to the terms, some factions have criticised the deal for not including clearer terms on lifting the full blockade of Gaza.
International reaction has been largely positive, with France, the UK, Egypt, Qatar, and the UN issuing statements of support for the ceasefire and urging both sides to adhere to its terms.
What Comes Next?
Even if fully implemented, the agreement leaves several major questions unresolved:
- Who will govern Gaza? Hamas remains in control, but Israel insists on eventual demilitarisation.
- What guarantees are in place? Verification and compliance mechanisms have not been fully disclosed.
- Will the ceasefire hold? Previous agreements have broken down quickly, and both sides remain deeply distrustful.
- What about reconstruction? Billions in aid will be required to rebuild Gaza, and funding mechanisms are still under negotiation.
Experts warn that while the deal is a diplomatic breakthrough, lasting peace will require broader negotiations, including a potential return to talks on a two-state solution.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
