Israelis and Palestinians were rejoicing on Thursday after a ceasefire and hostage deal was announced under the first stage of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza which has killed tens of thousands and seen tensions rise in the Middle East.
The warring sides publicly endorsed the deal and had been expected to sign it around noon in the Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. There was was no immediate official confirmation that it had been signed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the ceasefire would take effect once ratified by the Israeli government, which is due to meet later Thursday.
Under the ceasefire, the biggest step towards peace yet in two years, fighting will cease, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza and Hamas will free hostages it captured in the attack that precipitated the war, in exchange for prisoners held by Israel.
The release of all 20 Israeli hostages who are still believed to be alive in Gaza is expected on Sunday or Monday, Reuters reported citing an Israeli official.
Another 26 hostages have been declared dead, while the fate of two is unknown. Hamas has suggested it may take time to recover bodies scattered across Gaza.
There were wild celebrations among Palestinians and the families of Israeli hostages after news of the ceasefire emerged.
In Gaza, where most of the more than 2 million people have been displaced by Israeli bombing, young men applauded in the devastated streets despite ongoing strikes by Israeli forces.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said:
“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. All Parties will be treated fairly! 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. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
