The cease‑fire agreement between Hamas and Israel, signed in Sharm el‑Sheikh, entered into force at 11 a.m. Polish time on Thursday, with prisoner exchanges scheduled for 13 October.
The cease‑fire agreement between Hamas and Israel, signed in Sharm el‑ Sheikh, entered into force at 11 a.m. Polish time on Thursday. Negotiations, held in Egypt since the start of the week, focused on a U.S.‑proposed peace plan for the Gaza Strip. The accord calls for the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, a halt to hostilities, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Twenty Israeli citizens and the bodies of 30 Palestinian detainees are slated to return from Gaza to Israel, most likely on Monday, 13 October. Hundreds of Palestinians will also regain freedom on the same day. Although the Egyptian Al‑Qahera News agency reported that the cease‑fire had begun, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the cease‑fire would take effect only once the agreement is ratified by the government that evening. Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet, a select group of ministers overseeing defense, security, and foreign policy, at 4:00 p.m. Polish time.
Joy in Gaza and Israel
From early Thursday morning, Palestinians and Israelis celebrated the cease‑fire in Gaza. Hundreds took to the streets upon learning that a provisional truce had been reached. Many danced, jumped with joy, prayed, and thanked that the two‑year war was ending. “If God willing, we will return to our homes, see our loved ones and relatives. The war divided us; our suffering will end,” said one Palestinian woman from Khan Younis. In Tel Aviv, the Prisoner Square also witnessed the residents’ elation.
Trump Announces Achieving Hamas‑Israel Agreement
President of the United States posted on Truth Social that “I am proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of our peace plan. This means that ALL hostages will soon be released, and Israel will withdraw its forces to the agreed line. This is the first step toward a strong, lasting, and eternal peace.” Trump added, “All parties will be treated fairly! It is a wonderful day for the Arab, Muslim, Israel, neighboring countries, and the United States. We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey who worked with us to make this historic and unprecedented event possible.”
