US president Donald Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a "historic" Gaza peace deal that will see both sides stop fighting and begin releasing hostages and prisoners.
The US president hailed the “unprecedented event” in an announcement on Truth Social, adding that “ALL of the hostages will be released very soon” as part of the agreement.
Sources familiar with the talks said Hamas could release all 20 living hostages within days, while the deal will see Israeli troops pull back from most of Gaza. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “With God’s help we will bring them all home.”
In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, families of captives chanted “Nobel prize to Trump” while celebrating the announcement.
Hamas confirmed that the agreement includes troop withdrawal, prisoner exchanges, and the entry of aid.
But the Israeli military warned civilians not to return to northern Gaza, calling it “a dangerous combat zone.”
Key Points
- Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to the 'first phase' of his peace plan
- Keir Starmer calls Gaza breakthrough a 'moment of profound relief'
- Analysis | Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal. What’s next?
- Freed Israeli hostages celebrate as families rejoice over new Gaza ceasefire deal
- Hostages to be 'probably' released Monday, Trump says
- Signing of Gaza ceasefire agreement expected at 12pm in Israel (10am UK time)
Hostages may be released as early as Saturday
07:31
,
Alex Croft
Israeli hostages may be released as early as Saturday under the Gaza peace plan, and the country's military will complete the first part of a partial withdrawal from the enclave within 24 hours of the deal being signed, a source briefed on details of the agreement has told Reuters news agency.
A Hamas source said the living hostages would be handed over within 72 hours of the Israeli government approving the deal. Hamas officials have insisted it will take longer to recover the bodies of dead hostages, believed to number about 28, from Gaza’s rubble.
Trump told Fox News' 'Hannity' program on Wednesday that the hostages will probably be released on Monday.
But the Islamist group has so far refused to discuss Israel's demand that Hamas give up its arms, which the Palestinian source said Hamas would reject as long as Israeli troops occupy Palestinian land.
Bel Trew | Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal. What’s next?
07:28
,
Alex Croft
Wednesday evening in the United States brought the news millions across the world have been praying for: a ceasefire deal for Gaza that hopefully heralds in the end of one of the bloodiest conflicts of our time.
The details of the deal have yet to be fully disclosed. Reports are emerging that it will initially concern the release of the remaining 20 living hostages, who could be freed as early as this weekend. In tandem, there will be the release of hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli prisons and a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from the besieged enclave.
A source familiar with the negotiations told The Independent Hamas will start releasing the 20 living hostages as early as Saturday, the 28 bodies of the remaining deceased hostages are apparently not included in this phase.
But it is important to note this is an initial phase, not the entire plan for the final end to this devastating two-year conflict. It is not an answer to what comes next for Gaza.
The Independent’s chief international correspondent Bel Trew writes:
UK minister: This is a really big moment for the world
07:24
,
Alex Croft
We’re hearing from secretary of state for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden this morning, who is speaking to Sky News.
“This is a really big moment for the world,” he says.
“The really big prize is not just to stop what’s been happening for the last two years and release hostages, but actually to have a more secure future there, so the real excitement comes with that possibility.”
Mother of hostage in tears following news of agreement
07:19
,
Alex Croft
Kallas: This is a major diplomatic accomplishment
07:15
,
Alex Croft
Israel and Hamas agreeing to the first phase of the US Gaza plan is a significant breakthrough, and a real chance to end the war and release all the hostages, the EU's foreign affairs chief said on Thursday, calling it "a major diplomatic accomplishment".
"The EU will do what it can to support its implementation," Kaja Kallas said.
Signing of Gaza ceasefire agreement expected at 12pm in Israel (10am UK)
07:08
,
Namita Singh
The signing of the agreement on the first stage of US president Donald Trump's plan for Gaza is expected to take place at midday in Israel, a source briefed on the details of the agreement told Reuters on Thursday.
The ceasefire is expected to come into effect on the ground in Gaza once the deal is signed, the source added.
Israel and Hamas said they had agreed to a long-awaited ceasefire and hostage deal, the first phase of Trump's plan to end a war in Gaza that has killed more than 67,000 people and reshaped the Middle East.
Israel Defense Forces welcomes signing of hostage return agreement
07:07
,
Namita Singh
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has welcomed the signing of an agreement to secure the return of hostages held by Hamas, confirming the deal was signed overnight.
Israel's government will meet at around 2pm local time. If the deal is formally approved, the ceasefire will go into effect.
During a situational assessment held overnight, the Chief of the General Staff instructed all forces, both on the front lines and in the rear areas, to prepare strong defenses and be ready for any scenario.
IDF
The military added that force deployments will follow directives from the political leadership and the stages of the agreement, with emphasis on soldier safety.
The IDF also said the Chief of the General Staff had ordered preparations to lead the hostages’ return operation “with sensitivity and professionalism.”
The statement concluded: “The IDF will continue to act to achieve the objectives of the war and to defend the citizens of the State of Israel on all fronts.”
Israelis, Palestinians celebrate after agreement on Gaza ceasefire and return of hostages
07:02
,
Namita Singh
Israelis and Palestinians rejoiced on Thursday after a ceasefire and hostage deal was reached under the first phase of US president Donald Trump's plan to end a war in Gaza that has killed more than 67,000 people and reshaped the Middle East.
Just a day after the second anniversary of Hamas militants' cross-border attack that triggered Israel's devastating assault on Gaza, indirect talks in Egypt yielded an agreement on the initial stage of Trump’s 20-point framework to bring peace to the Palestinian enclave.
The accord, if fully implemented, would bring the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that had evolved into a regional conflict, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon.
News of the deal prompted celebrations in Israel, Gaza and beyond, with Israeli families of hostages letting off fireworks, while Palestinians clapped and cheered in hopes of an end to the bloodshed.
“Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing," said Abdul Majeed abd Rabbo, a man in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.
"I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed."
Starmer expresses ‘relief’ over agreement on first phase of Gaza peace deal
06:52
,
Namita Singh
Israel and Hamas’ agreement to the initial phases of a plan to end fighting in Gaza is a “moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world”, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
The US president said late on Wednesday that the warring parties have agreed to the “first phase” of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners.
Italy ready to send troops to Gaza if peacekeepers needed
06:42
,
Namita Singh
Italy's foreign minister has welcomed the agreement on the first stage of US president Donald Trump's ceasefire plan for Gaza and said the country is ready to send troops if peacekeeping forces are needed.
"Peace is near," Antonio Tajani said on Friday morning in a post on X.
"Italy, which has always supported the US plan, is ready to do its part to consolidate the ceasefire, deliver new humanitarian aid, and participate in the reconstruction of Gaza. We are also ready to send troops if an international peacekeeping force is created to reunite Palestine."
Freed Israeli hostages celebrate as families rejoice over new Gaza ceasefire deal
06:37
,
Namita Singh
Former Hamas hostages and relatives of those still held in Gaza have shared emotional messages and videos celebrating the announcement of a ceasefire deal that will see more captives released.
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli who was held captive by Hamas for more than a year before being released in January, posted a video to her Instagram celebrating the news with friends, which included fellow former hostage Romi Gonen.
The group can be seen hugging each other and dancing around a room as they toast "L'chaim", meaning "to life".
Eli Sharabi, a freed hostage whose wife and two daughters were killed during Hamas' attack on October 7 2023, wrote on social media: "Great joy, can't wait to see everyone home."
Vicky Cohen, the mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, wrote on X: "My child, you are coming home."
Nimrod's father, Yehuda Cohen, spoke at the Israeli Embassy in London in March urging Mr Netanyahu to move a ceasefire deal forward.
UN chief welcomes Gaza ceasefire agreement brokered under Trump proposal
06:19
,
Namita Singh
UN secretary-general António Guterres has welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas to secure a ceasefire and release hostages, based on a proposal advanced by US president Donald Trump.
“I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough,” Guterres said in a statement.
The UN chief urged all sides to “abide fully by the terms of the agreement,” stressing that “all hostages must be released in a dignified manner” and that a “permanent ceasefire must be secured.”
He said the United Nations would assist in implementing the agreement, scaling up humanitarian aid, and supporting recovery and reconstruction in Gaza.
Guterres added that the moment should be used to build “a credible political path forward” towards ending the occupation and achieving a two-state solution that ensures peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. “The stakes have never been higher,” he said.
Countries react to peace talks breakthrough between Israel and Hamas
05:58
,
Namita Singh
Canada has welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas to begin the first phase of a peace plan proposed by US president Donald Trump and facilitated by Qatar, Egypt and Turkey.
In a statement posted on X, Global Affairs Canada – the government department responsible for the country’s diplomatic and consular relations – said: “Canada welcomes the agreement of Israel and Hamas to implement the first phase of the peace plan put forward by President Trump, and facilitated by Qatar, Egypt and Turkey.”
The department said that after two years of war, hostages will “finally be reunited with their families” while Israeli forces withdraw “to behind agreed upon lines.” It called for “immediate and unimpeded humanitarian aid” to reach civilians in need across Gaza.
“Canada will support all efforts to turn this positive step into lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians,” Global Affairs Canada added.
New Zealand's foreign minister said the first phase of the agreement was "essential.
“Hamas needs to release all of the hostages and Israel must withdraw their troops to the agreed-upon line,” Winston Peters said.
"This is an essential first step towards achieving lasting peace. We urge Israel and Hamas to continue working towards a complete resolution."
Keir Starmer calls Gaza breakthrough a 'moment of profound relief'
05:57
,
Namita Singh
Israel and Hamas' agreement to the initial phases of a plan to end fighting in Gaza is a "moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world", Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Donald Trump said late on Wednesday that the warring parties have agreed to the "first phase" of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners.
Responding to the news, Sir Keir said: "I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump's peace plan for Gaza.
"This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years."
The "tireless diplomatic efforts" of the US, as well as Egypt, Qatar and Turkey have been crucial in moving towards peace, the prime minister said.
He added: "This agreement must now be implemented in full, without delay, and accompanied by the immediate lifting of all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza.
"We call on all parties to meet the commitments they have made, to end the war, and to build the foundations for a just and lasting end to the conflict and a sustainable path to a long-term peace. The UK will support these crucial immediate steps and the next stage of talks to ensure the full implementation of the peace plan."
Israeli ambassador says end of hostilities in Gaza depends on first-stage implementation
05:48
,
Namita Singh
Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter told CNN that living hostages held by Hamas would be released on Sunday or Monday, with a 72-hour clock for Hamas to make the release beginning once the Israeli Cabinet meets on Thursday afternoon or evening, to approve the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released in the agreement.
Leiter said that Israel hopes the deal will lead to an end to the war, but that will depend on how well it is implemented.
"We hope it leads to a complete cessation of hostilities and a rebuilding of Gaza for the sake of the Gazans and for the sake of Israel," he said.
"But it's the first stage, and we've got to see the first stage implemented completely in the next few days."
Leiter, whose eldest son was killed in the war while serving in the Israeli forces, credited Israeli military pressure with bringing Hamas to the negotiating table after two years of conflict.
Hostages to be 'probably' released Monday, Trump says
05:45
,
Namita Singh
In an interview on Fox News, Donald Trump said that Hamas will begin releasing hostages "probably" on Monday.
"This is more than Gaza," Trump told host Sean Hannity in a telephone interview.
"This is peace in the Middle East."Trump also said a future Gaza will be a "peaceful, much safer place" and that the US would remain involved to ensure its safety and prosperity.
"Other countries in the area will help it reconstruct because they have tremendous wealth," Trump said, adding: "We'll be involved in helping them make it successful and helping it stay peaceful."
Trump confirmed that he spoke to Netanyahu earlier Wednesday night.
The prime minister told him, "I can't believe it," according to the president's retelling.
"I said, 'Israel cannot fight the world, Bibi, they can't fight the world,' and he understands that very well," Trump said.
Hostage families chant 'Nobel prize to Trump' in Tel Aviv
05:32
,
Namita Singh
Families of hostages and their supporters started chanting "Nobel prize to Trump" as they gathered in the early hours of the morning in Tel Aviv's hostages square.
People gathered there after the agreement was announced, with freed hostages and families of those still captive cheering, singing and crying at the news.
Watch: Netanyahu says he hopes to announce hostage release in 'coming days'
05:00
,
Rachel Dobkin
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said before a peace deal was signed that he hopes to announce hostage release in the “coming days.”
Journalists in Gaza City celebrate peace deal
04:52
,
Namita Singh
In Gaza City, where bombings had been heard in the early hours of Thursday before news of the deal, a few journalists roamed the dark streets of the city, shouting in jubilation that "the war has ended," according to a video they posted on social media.
The journalists, laughing and jumping, shouted that most people who remained in the city have no internet and needed to be woken up to hear the news.
In the south of Gaza, a group of young men lifted another journalist on their shoulders as he broadcast the news to his channel, celebrating the ceasefire.
The journalist posted a video of the interaction on his social media.
The men also performed a traditional Palestinian dance, Debka, on the streets, while singing.
Communications and internet connection has been badly severed by the war, and large parts of Gaza had no connection, particularly during the night.
Israeli military says northern Gaza remains a 'dangerous combat zone'
04:49
,
Namita Singh
The Israeli military warned Palestinians in Gaza against returning north to Gaza City or approaching areas where troops are stationed until further notice.
Israel's Arabic language spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued the warning on X, hours after Hamas and Israel agreed to the first phase of the Trump plan to pause the fighting and release hostages and prisoners.
"For your safety, refrain from returning north or approaching areas where (troops) are stationed or operating throughout" Gaza, he said.Adraee said northern Gaza is "still considered a dangerous combat zone".
Israel and Hamas take first steps toward peace — here’s what comes next
04:43
,
Namita Singh
US president Donald Trump announced the deal Wednesday evening, calling it ‘the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace’.
Bel Trew explains what may come next.
Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to the 'first phase' of his peace plan
04:33
,
Namita Singh
US president Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the "first phase" of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners, in a major breakthrough in the two-year-old war.
"This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace," Trump wrote on social media.
Hamas plans to release all 20 living hostages in the coming days, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media, "With God's help we will bring them all home."
Hamas said separately that the deal would ensure the withdrawal of Israeli troops as well as allow for the entry of aid and exchange of hostages and prisoners.
Hamas shares gratitude for Trump after 'first phase' of peace deal reached
04:30
,
Rachel Dobkin
Hamas has shared its gratitude for President Donald Trump’s role in reaching the “first phase” of a peace deal between the Palestinian militant group and Israel.
Trump announced via Truth Social Wednesday, “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”
In a subsequent press release, Hamas said, “We also value the efforts of US President Donald Trump, who seeks to bring about a definitive end to the war and a complete withdrawal of the occupation from the Gaza Strip.”
Trump said Netanyahu was 'so happy' on post-peace deal call
04:00
,
Rachel Dobkin
President Donald Trump has said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “so happy” during a phone call after his country and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace deal Wednesday.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”
Shortly after the announcement, Trump told Axios he just had a “great” call with Netanyahu, adding, “He is so happy. He should be. It is a great achievement. The whole world has come together to reach this deal, including countries that were enemies.”
Axios reported Netanyahu invited Trump to address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset.
"I will definitely do that if they want me to,” Trump told the outlet.
Earlier Wednesday, the White House said Trump may go to the Middle East shortly after his yearly check-up at the Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday.
Watch: Trump explains how he 'Arab nations' on board with peace deal: 'I develop relationships with people'
03:30
,
Rachel Dobkin
President Donald Trump has explained how he got “Arab nations” on board with an Israel-Hamas peace deal, telling Fox News’ Sean Hannity Wednesday, “I develop relationships with people.”
.@POTUS on forming a coalition with the same Arab nations that were reluctant for decades to be part of a solution for peace in Gaza: "I develop relationships with people — and sometimes those relationships lead to great things..." pic.twitter.com/8Knbg6Pv2F
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 9, 2025
Earlier Wednesday, Trump announced in a Truth Social post that Israel and Hamas “signed off” on the first stage of the peace deal.
“This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen,” Trump said.
Gaza hostage advocacy group reacts to peace deal: 'Our struggle is not over'
03:00
,
Rachel Dobkin
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced in a press release following the signing of an Israel-Hamas peace deal, “Our struggle is not over.”
Trump announced the deal Wednesday, saying that both Israel and Hamas “signed off” on the first phase of it.
All the 48 remaining hostages in Gaza, only 20 of whom are believed to still be alive, will be returned, and Israel will withdraw their troops, Trump said.
While the hostage advocacy group said the peace deal announcement “represents important and meaningful progress,” it said, “Our struggle is not over and will not end until the last hostage returns.”
Hamas is expected to release all 20 living hostages as early as this weekend, according to AP sources.
Analysis: Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal. What’s next?
02:30
,
Rachel Dobkin
Bel Trew writes:
Wednesday evening in the United States brought the news millions across the world have been praying for: a ceasefire deal for Gaza that hopefully heralds in the end of one of the bloodiest conflicts of our time.
The details of the deal have yet to be fully disclosed. Reports are emerging that it will initially concern the release of the remaining 20 living hostages, who could be freed as early as this weekend. In tandem, there will be the release of hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli prisons and a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from the besieged enclave.
A source familiar with the negotiations told The Independent Hamas will start releasing the 20 living hostages as early as Saturday, the 28 bodies of the remaining deceased hostages are apparently not included in this phase.
But it is important to note this is an initial phase, not the entire plan for the final end to this devastating two-year conflict. It is not an answer to what comes next for Gaza.
Read on...
Trump claims Israel and Hamas have signed off on ‘first Phase of our Peace Plan’ and all hostages will be released ‘very soon’
02:00
,
Bryony Gooch
What we know about the Israel-Hamas deal...so far
01:30
,
Rachel Dobkin
- President Donald Trump announced Wednesday Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace deal, which includes the release of all 48 remaining hostages, only 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.
- Trump called the agreement “the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “With God's help we will bring them all home,” referring to the remaining hostages.
- Hamas is expected to release all 20 living hostages as early as this weekend, according to AP sources.
Who will run any post-war Gaza administration?
01:00
,
Sam Rkaina
Trump's plan calls for an international body led by Trump himself and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to play a role in Gaza's post-war administration.
Arab countries which back the plan say it must lead to eventual independence for a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu says will never happen.
Even if a major breakthrough is reached, there is no clear indication who will rule Gaza when the war ends.
Netanyahu, Trump, Western and Arab states have ruled out a role for Hamas, which has run Gaza since driving out Palestinian rivals in 2007.
Hamas has said it was ready to relinquish Gaza governance, but only to a Palestinian technocrat government supervised by the Palestinian Authority and backed by Arab and Muslim countries, as per a longstanding Egyptian proposal.
It rejects any role for Blair or foreign rule of Gaza.
Netanyahu to approve Gaza ceasefire in government on Thursday
Thursday 9 October 2025 00:33
,
Bryony Gooch
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convene the government on Thursday to approve the Gaza ceasefire agreement aimed at bringing home all the Israeli hostages.
"A great day for Israel," Netanyahu added in a statement following US President Donald Trump's announcement that a deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas to end the two-year war in Gaza.
Hamas to release all 20 living hostages this weekend - Report
Thursday 9 October 2025 00:32
,
Bryony Gooch
The first phase of the peace plan appears to be fast moving with Hamas reportedly set to release all 20 living hostages as early as this weekend, accordign to AP sources who reported that, Israel is set to withdraw from majority of Gaza.
Netanyahu declares it's 'a great day for Israel'
Thursday 9 October 2025 00:30
,
Bryony Gooch
Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has