Qatar announced early on Thursday Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on the first phase of a ceasefire deal intended to end the war in Gaza, facilitate the release of hostages and prisoners, and allow humanitarian aid into the territory.
Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement posted on X that “an agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.” He added further details of the deal would be announced later.
The breakthrough follows months of negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States. It marks the most significant step yet toward halting hostilities that have devastated Gaza and strained regional stability.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the announcement on his social media platform Truth Social, stating: “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of our peace plan.”
Hamas also confirmed the agreement, saying it would lead to an end to Israeli military operations in Gaza, the withdrawal of forces and the entry of humanitarian aid. A prisoner exchange is also included in the first stage.
Israel’s government is expected to convene at 14:00 local time (12:00 BST) to formally approve the deal. If endorsed, the ceasefire would take effect shortly afterward. The US administration said it anticipates all remaining Israeli hostages to be released by Monday under the terms of the agreement.
A Palestinian source told the BBC that Hamas had not yet received the final list of prisoners Israel plans to release in exchange for hostages, suggesting some details remain under negotiation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the announcement as “a great day for Israel,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “a moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world.” Scenes of cautious celebration were reported in Gaza and across Israel, where families of hostages and displaced civilians welcomed the news as a long-awaited sign of respite.
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