United States President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday (8) that Israel and the Hamas group reached an agreement on the first phase of a ceasefire plan in the Gaza Strip. The deal, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, includes the release of all Israeli hostages held since the October 7, 2023 attack, in exchange for the release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Negotiations took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, and represent efforts to end two years of fighting that left over 67,000 dead in the Palestinian territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the agreement as a diplomatic breakthrough, while Hamas thanked Trump’s role in facilitating the talks.
Ratification and implementation timeline
Netanyahu’s cabinet is set to meet on Thursday (9) at 12 PM (Brasilia time) to approve the agreement. After ratification, a 24-hour period will begin for the ceasefire to take effect, followed by 72 hours for the release of hostages.
An Israeli official confirmed that the final document was signed in Egypt on Thursday morning, with details of the prisoner exchange still being finalized.
Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti is not included in this release phase, according to a spokesperson for the Israeli government.
Celebrations amid ongoing bombings
Residents of Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, took to the streets to celebrate the announcement, with videos showing applause amidst the rubble of destroyed buildings. In Israel, families of hostages expressed relief in demonstrations in Tel Aviv.
However, Israeli airstrikes were recorded on Thursday morning in Gaza City, with columns of smoke visible between 6:16 AM and 6:35 AM (Brasilia time). The Israeli Army stated that the bombings targeted Hamas positions, and the ceasefire will only take effect after formal approval.
A military source noted that northern Gaza remains an active combat zone until the agreement is fully implemented.
Territorial control and logistical adjustments
Israeli forces plan to withdraw from specific areas, reducing their presence from 75% to about 53% of the Gaza Strip. The Army issued a statement about ongoing logistical adjustments, without specifying exact locations.
Troops remain on alert to respond to any violations, as per an official statement.
This reduction aims to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, with the UN preparing supplies for immediate distribution.
A technocratic Palestinian committee will be formed for temporary administration, overseen by an international council.
Humanitarian aid preparations
The UN agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) stated it has food, medicine, and basic supplies ready to assist Gaza’s entire population for three months. The agency’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, highlighted readiness for shipments as soon as the agreement takes effect.
Countries like Turkey announced contributions to reconstruction, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan proposing participation in a monitoring force on the ground.
Trump mentioned that allied nations will join recovery efforts, without specifying which countries.
Task force for locating bodies
The agreement includes the return of bodies of deceased hostages, estimated at 28 cases. An international task force, including the US, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Israel, was formed to assist in searches across rubble-strewn areas.
This measure may delay parts of the timeline, as Hamas reported difficulties locating some remains due to the bombings.
Mediators hope cooperation will speed up the process in the coming days.
International reactions to the deal
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the agreement a necessary breakthrough, urging unrestricted access for humanitarian workers. He emphasized the urgency of a permanent ceasefire and rebuilding destroyed infrastructure.
Arab leaders, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, welcomed the agreement and expressed willingness to collaborate in future negotiations.
In Washington, Trump spoke by phone with Netanyahu, congratulating him on the progress in the talks.
Prisoner exchange details
- Approximately 48 living Israeli hostages will be prioritized in the initial release.
- Israel will release 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, excluding those convicted of specific serious crimes.
- The final list of detainees was provided by Hamas, following agreed-upon criteria in indirect negotiations.
- The process will occur in phases, monitored by mediators to ensure mutual compliance.
This structure aims to balance concessions and pave the way for discussions on Gaza’s governance.
