Israel has signed the final draft of a phase one ceasefire agreement with Hamas, potentially bringing an end to two years of war in Gaza that has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
The deal, part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, was finalized Thursday morning in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, after three days of intense negotiations, Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian confirmed.
Key Terms of the Ceasefire:
- A 72-hour window for the release of 20 remaining Israeli captives believed to be alive in Gaza, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
- A partial Israeli troop withdrawal to “an agreed-upon line.”
- Ceasefire implementation set to begin within 24 hours of Israeli cabinet ratification expected Thursday evening.
However, Bedrosian clarified that Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti would not be released in the prisoner exchange — a decision likely to anger many Palestinians. She also noted that Israel will retain control of more than half of Gaza after the troop pullback.
‘Initial Phase of an Initial Phase’
Despite the breakthrough, serious disagreements remain, according to Al Jazeera analyst Marwan Bishara. Issues include the timeline for full Israeli withdrawal, Hamas’s future, and the post-war governance of Gaza.
A second phase, yet to be negotiated, would involve:
- Complete Israeli withdrawal
- Disarmament of Hamas
- New security and administrative structures for Gaza
Global Reactions
The United Nations welcomed the agreement, with Secretary-General António Guterres stating the UN is ready to “scale up” humanitarian aid and support Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.
In Gaza, families celebrated the news.
“Families were cheering once they heard the news of the ceasefire after more than two years of devastation,” said Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum. “People are desperately waiting to be reunited with loved ones and to mourn those they’ve lost.”
However, analysts warn the deal is far from a lasting peace.
“This is only phase one,” said political analyst Omar Baddar. “There’s no telling whether there’s going to be a resumption of this genocide… Will Israel really allow Gaza to be rebuilt? That’s the big question.”
Background
The war began after Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has since devastated the Gaza Strip, triggering widespread famine, mass displacement, and allegations of genocide by a UN commission — claims Israel firmly denies.
The ceasefire agreement offers hope for temporary relief, but many remain cautious about what comes next.