Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday declared a cease‑fire with Hamas and announced that U.S. President Donald Trump would address the Knesset, marking a symbolic gesture following a historic breakthrough.
A Symbolic Gesture Following a Historic Day
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that U.S. President Donald Trump has been invited to address the Israeli parliament. The invitation underscores the United States’ role in securing a cease‑fire agreement signed in Cairo that aims to end months of fighting in Gaza.
Earlier, the two leaders had a phone call in which they congratulated each other on the “historic event.” Netanyahu described the deal as “a great diplomatic success and moral victory for Israel,” stressing that peace was made possible by “unwavering determination, military action and President Trump’s support.”
Ceasefire and First Steps of the 20‑Point Peace Plan
Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of a 20‑point peace plan, which includes Israeli forces withdrawing to agreed positions and the exchange of hostages held by both sides.
Netanyahu said he will convene a cabinet meeting on Thursday, 9 October, to formally approve the cease‑fire. The first 20 hostages are slated for release over the weekend, either Saturday 11 October or Sunday 12 October.
“With God’s help we will bring them all home; it is a great day for Israel,” the Prime Minister’s office said.
Terms of the Ceasefire and Aid for Gaza
A Palestinian senior official told the BBC that the cease‑fire will take effect immediately after the Israeli government’s approval, expected around 2 p.m. Jerusalem time.
In the first five days, Israel will allow 400 humanitarian aid trucks per day into Gaza, with the number gradually increasing. The “yellow line” on Trump’s peace plan map was modified to satisfy Israel’s security requirements and Hamas’s demands tied to the release of Israeli hostages.
Israel rejected a request to release Palestinian politician Marwan Barghouti despite pressure from Hamas.
Trump Calls Agreement a Great Day for the Arab World and the U.S.
President Trump confirmed the deal on social media, calling it “a great day for the Muslim and Arab world and the United States.” He thanked mediators from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey for helping bring parties to the negotiating table.
Hamas urged Trump to ensure Israel implements all points of the peace plan. The talks that led to the agreement were conducted in Egypt with representatives from Israel, Hamas, the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey.
