Ceasefire Brings End to Two-Year Gaza War as Israel and Hamas Approve Trump’s Peace Plan
GAZA CITY: A long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza came into effect on Friday, marking the end of two years of devastating conflict that claimed the lives of more than 67,000 Palestinians and displaced hundreds of thousands. The truce follows the approval of the first phase of a 20-point peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, paving the way for a phased Israeli withdrawal and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The announcement sparked celebrations across Israel and the Palestinian territories, as thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza began returning to their homes for the first time since the ground war began.
Agreement Reached After Intense Negotiations
The ceasefire was finalised after 56 hours of negotiations held in Cairo, mediated by Egypt and Qatar. Both parties accepted the first phase of Trump’s plan, which calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a prisoner exchange.
Under the terms of the agreement, a ceasefire was to take effect within 24 hours of Israeli government approval, and Hamas must release all remaining hostages within 72 hours.
On Thursday, the Israeli Security Cabinet formally endorsed the proposal, triggering the start of the truce. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later confirmed that its troops had withdrawn to the agreed demarcation lines, in line with the deal. The U.S. Pentagon also verified that Israel had completed the first stage of withdrawal by Friday afternoon.
Despite the truce, Israeli forces continue to hold control over roughly 53% of Palestinian territory, officials said.
Prisoner Release and Humanitarian Return
Israel has released a list of 250 Palestinian prisoners slated for release as part of the agreement. Meanwhile, the Gaza Civil Defense Agency reported that Israeli armoured units had withdrawn from key frontline positions in Gaza City and Khan Younis.
Civil Defense spokesperson Basal said that nearly 200,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect.
Key Challenges Ahead
While the truce has brought temporary relief, major political and security challenges remain. Key unresolved issues include the governance of Gaza once the war officially ends and the future status of Hamas, which continues to reject Israel’s demand for disarmament.
The Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry announced that its security forces would be deployed in areas vacated by Israeli troops, raising concerns over potential armed mobilisations. Analysts warn that any perceived provocation could risk renewed escalation.
Next Steps in the Peace Process
President Donald Trump confirmed that he will travel to Egypt on Sunday to attend an official signing ceremony for the agreement. Israeli authorities have also begun preparations for his visit to Jerusalem on Monday, signalling the beginning of a complex diplomatic process aimed at securing a long-term peace framework for the region.
Although Friday’s truce marks a historic breakthrough, both sides acknowledge that achieving sustainable peace and stability in Gaza will depend on difficult compromises still to come.
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