Hamas announces end of war in Gaza – Trump celebrates, to address Knesset session (updated)
Live updates: 'The USA, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey signed as guarantors of the agreement — 'Gaza will be rebuilt and the USA will participate in maintaining peace,' said Trump
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Threats from Ben-Gvir against Netanyahu’s government
The hardline Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben‑Gvir, who has publicly opposed the Gaza plan, is among those making threats.
“Netanyahu promised me he would dismantle Hamas, and if that doesn’t happen, we will dismantle the government,” he said.
BREAKING: Gaza Hamas Chief says that he declares an end to the war today and the start of permanent ceasefire.
The Knesset building illuminated ahead of Trump’s visit
The Knesset building in Jerusalem was lit up in red, white, and blue in honor of the anticipated visit of U.S. President Donald Trump, following today’s announcement of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
According to a Knesset spokesperson, the building will remain lit in the colors of the American flag until the end of the president’s visit.
Kan: Trump to arrive in Israel Sunday afternoon According to public broadcaster Kan, Donald Trump is expected to land in Israel at 3 p.m. on Sunday. His speech at the Knesset will follow.
Timeline for the release of Palestinian prisoners
Israel will release Palestinian prisoners only after a 72-hour period, during which Hamas must release all Israeli hostages, according to a draft of today’s ceasefire and hostage release agreement, seen by Channel 12.
However, as long as dead hostages remain in Gaza, a different, classified response will be triggered — to be presented to the Israeli cabinet — the report says. Israel anticipates that Hamas may be unable to locate all the bodies of deceased hostages.
If the release of Palestinian prisoners proceeds, it will include:
250 security prisoners serving life sentences
1,700 Gaza residents arrested after the October 7, 2023 attack, who did not participate in the attack — they will either be exiled abroad or sent back to Gaza
Around 22 minors also uninvolved in the attack will be freed
In addition, about 360 terrorist bodies will be returned to Hamas
The hostage release is expected to occur after IDF forces withdraw to new lines within Gaza, within 24 hours of Israel’s ratification of the agreement.
Trump: On Sunday in Israel, I’ll speak at the Knesset
Netanyahu-Modi Phone Call
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu interrupted the Security Cabinet meeting—which was discussing the ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza—to speak on the phone with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to the official statement, Modi congratulated Netanyahu on the agreement reached for the release of all hostages.
Modi emphasized that Netanyahu has always been a close friend and that their friendship will remain strong. Netanyahu thanked Modi for his support for Israel, and both leaders agreed to continue close cooperation, the statement added.
Rubio: No one else has achieved as much as Trump
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Israeli cabinet that the solution in the Middle East began with the historic meeting in New York between Trump and the leaders of the Arab world. He also referenced the crucial meeting between Trump and Netanyahu in Washington.
“No one—not just any world leader, but not even another American president—could have accomplished what you have,” Rubio said.
Israel–Hamas Agreement: What We Know So Far
Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan, which includes:
Release of all hostages held in Gaza
Withdrawal of Israeli forces to agreed lines
Release of some Palestinian prisoners
Trump’s Announcement & Message to the Cabinet
President Donald Trump stated that hostages are expected to be released on Monday or Tuesday. However, he did not address key parts of the deal—such as the disarmament of Hamas or future governance of Gaza.
Trump confirmed he would travel to the Middle East next week.
Israeli Cabinet Meeting on Ceasefire Plans
The Israeli Security Cabinet is currently meeting to discuss and vote on the Gaza ceasefire plan. The discussion is expected to last about an hour, and the broader government cabinet will meet at 20:00 (Greece time).
Hostages, Prisoners & Ceasefire Timeline
The deal includes:
Release of Israeli hostages
Release of Palestinian prisoners
IDF withdrawal from parts of Gaza
Entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip
The ceasefire will begin within 24 hours of the Israeli security cabinet meeting.
After that, there will be a 72-hour window during which “all our hostages will be released and returned to Israel,” said Sos Bedrosian at a press briefing.
Putin Supports the Gaza Ceasefire
Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the developing ceasefire deal, expressing hope that the negotiations will lead to a resolution.
The big question after Al‑Hayya’s announcements: Will Hamas lay down its arms? A senior Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, said tonight in Egypt that “no Palestinian accepts disarmament” and that the Palestinians “need weapons and resistance.”
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) hailed the Israel–Hamas ceasefire as a major relief and said it is prepared to rush large quantities of food, medicine, and essential supplies into Gaza. The organization emphasized the urgency of meeting the humanitarian needs of civilians who have endured months of shortages and conflict.
The Kremlin welcomed the Israel–Hamas ceasefire deal as a positive step but emphasized that real progress depends on concrete actions to end the war and free hostages. At the same time, reports from Gaza indicate continued Israeli military activity, with tanks positioned along the coastal road despite the pending implementation of the truce.
Trump: On Sunday in Israel, I’ll speak at the Knesset
Netanyahu-Modi Phone Call
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu interrupted the Security Cabinet meeting—which was discussing the ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza—to speak on the phone with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to the official statement, Modi congratulated Netanyahu on the agreement reached for the release of all hostages.
Modi emphasized that Netanyahu has always been a close friend and that their friendship will remain strong. Netanyahu thanked Modi for his support for Israel, and both leaders agreed to continue close cooperation, the statement added.
Rubio: No one else has achieved as much as Trump
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Israeli cabinet that the solution in the Middle East began with the historic meeting in New York between Trump and the leaders of the Arab world. He also referenced the crucial meeting between Trump and Netanyahu in Washington.
“No one—not just any world leader, but not even another American president—could have accomplished what you have,” Rubio said.
Israel–Hamas Agreement: What We Know So Far
Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan, which includes:
Release of all hostages held in Gaza
Withdrawal of Israeli forces to agreed lines
Release of some Palestinian prisoners
Trump’s Announcement & Message to the Cabinet
President Donald Trump stated that hostages are expected to be released on Monday or Tuesday. However, he did not address key parts of the deal—such as the disarmament of Hamas or future governance of Gaza.
Trump confirmed he would travel to the Middle East next week.
Israeli Cabinet Meeting on Ceasefire Plans
The Israeli Security Cabinet is currently meeting to discuss and vote on the Gaza ceasefire plan. The discussion is expected to last about an hour, and the broader government cabinet will meet at 20:00 (Greece time).
Hostages, Prisoners & Ceasefire Timeline
The deal includes:
Release of Israeli hostages
Release of Palestinian prisoners
IDF withdrawal from parts of Gaza
Entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip
The ceasefire will begin within 24 hours of the Israeli security cabinet meeting.
After that, there will be a 72-hour window during which “all our hostages will be released and returned to Israel,” said Sos Bedrosian at a press briefing.
Putin Supports the Gaza Ceasefire
Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the developing ceasefire deal, expressing hope that the negotiations will lead to a resolution.
هولاء لايمكن ان يشخصهم إلا من خلقهم وقد وصفهم بأنهم أهل غدر وخاصة يوم السبت عندما نقضوا عهدهم مع الله#فيديو | دبابات الاحتلال تطلق قذائف بشكل مباشر على المواطنين على شارع الرشيد قرب جسر وادي غزة pic.twitter.com/2vUisWZ3R6
It was Marco Rubio who informed Donald Trump, during a meeting at the White House, about the progress of the negotiations in Egypt between Israel, Hamas, and the mediators.
The U.S. Secretary of State initially handed the American president a note informing him that “we are close to an agreement” and asking him to approve a related post on Truth Social. He then stood up and whispered in his ear about the finalization of the deal.
This is the moment US Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed a note to President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House, saying they are very close to a deal in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/vdb3T5lAAs
Israel–Hamas Agreement: What We Know So Far About the “First Phase” of the Trump Plan
Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a U.S.-mediated ceasefire plan, which includes the release of all hostages in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces to an agreed line, and the release of some Palestinian prisoners.
Trump’s Announcement U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the hostages are expected to be released on Monday. However, he did not address key points of the proposal, such as the disarmament of Hamas and the issue of future governance of Gaza.
Israeli Government Meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene the cabinet today to put the agreement to a vote. The first phase can proceed only if it is approved by the government.
Hostages and Prisoners The agreement calls for the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the area.
Mixed Reactions The agreement has sparked celebrations in both Gaza and Israel, but residents on both sides have expressed concern that a comprehensive peace agreement may ultimately not be reached
Hamas Says Israeli Forces Will Withdraw Tomorrow Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Qatar’s Al-Araby channel that Israel will withdraw militarily from all populated areas of Gaza, including Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Gaza City. He added that the withdrawal will take place tomorrow, since the release of hostages requires on-site arrangements and greater freedom of movement for Hamas members — meaning Israel must pull back first.
Hamdan, who is in Qatar and was not part of the talks in Egypt, confirmed reports that under the ceasefire agreement, 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees from Gaza arrested during the war will be released.
He declined to confirm whether senior Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti and Popular Front leader Ahmad Sa’adat would be among those released, noting only that Hamas submitted a list to the Israeli side according to the seniority and importance of the prisoners.
Hamdan also stressed that the agreement will take effect only after approval by the Israeli government.
Nobel Peace Prize 2025: Last Committee Meeting Held Monday — What This Means for Trump The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the Nobel Peace Prize, held its final meeting on Monday, the Nobel Institute announced today, one day before the winner for 2025 is announced
This timeline suggests that the winner’s name was chosen well before the agreement between Israel and Hamas was reached — an agreement made under intense pressure from Donald Trump, who openly desires the Nobel Peace Prize.
Sisi: Historic moment, a door of hope opens for the wider region
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stated that “the world is experiencing a historic moment” as Israel and Hamas move forward with implementing the agreement reached in Sharm el-Sheikh to end hostilities in Gaza.
“This agreement not only closes the chapter of war, but also opens the door of hope for the peoples of the region for a future defined by justice and stability,” he said, referring to the aspirations of the Palestinians.
Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also welcomed on Thursday the “recent positive developments in Sharm el-Sheikh, which represent a critical moment in the war in Gaza,” just hours after the announcement of the agreement between Hamas and Israel.
At the same time, it was announced that Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry will travel to Paris on Thursday for a ministerial meeting aimed at “discussing arrangements for the situation in the Gaza Strip.”
Ceasefire to take effect tonight after cabinet approval, says Netanyahu’s office
The ceasefire in Gaza will take effect after the agreement is approved by the Israeli government tonight, according to a statement from an official in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
Earlier it was reported that Israel’s cabinet will meet at 6 p.m. to vote on the ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
Israel’s cabinet to meet at 6 p.m. on the agreement Israel’s cabinet will meet at 6 p.m. to discuss and then vote on the plan for the release of all hostages held in Gaza, according to a government statement.
“Agenda — Plan for the release of all Israeli hostages,” reads a statement posted on the government’s website.
One hour earlier, the security cabinet will meet to discuss the implementation of the agreement.
An Israeli source cited by Reuters says that all 20 living hostages will be released on Sunday or Monday, amid ongoing uncertainty about the exact timing of the release.
Hamas thanks Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for mediation Hamas welcomed the agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip, thanking mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their “commendable efforts.”
The Palestinian organization stated that the agreement was reached thanks to “the high sense of responsibility and flexibility shown by the Palestinian delegation during negotiations, as well as the wise and positive response to the U.S. proposal.”
Ceasefire signing expected in the next minutes The signing of the ceasefire agreement is expected within the next minutes.
The ceremony is scheduled for 12:00 Greek time, though delays are possible
Israeli hospitals prepare to treat malnourished hostages Israeli authorities announced that the healthcare system is ready to receive the approximately 20 hostages expected to be released within the next 24 hours by Hamas.
Preparations, led by Dr. Haggar Mizrahi, head of the Medical Department of the Ministry of Health, are based on “lessons from previous releases and rescue operations,” according to the announcement.
Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, Tel Aviv Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center in Tel Aviv, and Beilinson Medical Center in Petah Tikva will receive the freed hostages. Hospitals have received detailed instructions tailored to estimates of the hostages’ medical condition.
Each released hostage will be treated in a private ward, in a separate and secure section of the hospital, accompanied by family members. The Ministry emphasizes that the long period of captivity increases the risk of severe malnutrition, thus requiring special medical and nutritional monitoring.
Israeli hospitals prepare to treat malnourished hostages Israeli authorities have announced that the healthcare system is ready to receive about 20 hostages expected to be released within the next 24 hours by Hamas.
The preparations, led by Dr. Haggar Mizrahi, head of the Medical Department of the Ministry of Health, are based on “lessons from previous releases and rescue operations,” according to the announcement.
Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer, Tel Aviv Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center in Tel Aviv, and Beilinson Medical Center in Petah Tikva will receive the released hostages. The hospitals have received detailed instructions tailored to assessments of the hostages’ medical condition. Each released hostage will be treated in a private room, in a separate and secure section of the hospital, accompanied by family members. The Ministry emphasizes that the long period of captivity increases the risk of severe malnutrition, therefore requiring specialized medical and nutritional monitoring.
Mitsotakis on the Israel–Hamas agreement: A step toward hope and stability
In a post on X, the Prime Minister spoke of “a step toward hope and stability” and confirmed Greece’s commitment “to a safe and peaceful Middle East,” adding that the country “is ready to play its role.”
Mitsotakis’ post: “I welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump’s plan for Gaza — a step toward hope and stability. All parties must fully abide by the terms. Greece confirms its commitment to a safe and peaceful Middle East and is ready to play its role.”
Giorgia Meloni: “Excellent news on the Gaza agreement”
“The agreement reached in Egypt for the implementation of the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan is excellent news — it paves the way for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the agreed lines,” emphasized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The Italian leader also thanked the U.S. President “for his tireless efforts to bring an end to the armed conflict in Gaza,” as well as the international mediators who contributed to the process.
“This agreement, along with the broader path outlined by the Trump plan, represents a unique opportunity to end this conflict — an opportunity that must certainly be seized. I call on all sides to fully respect the measures already agreed upon and to work swiftly toward the next steps envisioned in the peace plan,” Meloni added.
“Italy will continue to support the mediators’ efforts and stands ready to contribute to Gaza’s stabilization, reconstruction, and development,” the Italian Prime Minister concluded.
Foreign Ministry on the Israel–Hamas Agreement: Greece Ready to Contribute to the Implementation of the Trump Plan
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the Israel–Hamas agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, noting that, if fully implemented, it would stand as proof of the power of diplomacy and strong leadership. The ministry also expressed Greece’s readiness to contribute to the plan’s implementation.
The announcement stated:
“Greece welcomes the historic agreement reached between Israel and Hamas regarding the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, which has led to a ceasefire, an increase in humanitarian aid delivery, and the release of all hostages.
It is imperative that all parties honor the terms of the agreement. If this momentum is maintained and the agreement is fully implemented, this important development will demonstrate the strength of diplomacy and decisive leadership.
Greece stands ready to contribute to the plan’s implementation, which represents a crucial step toward a comprehensive solution, lasting peace, and prosperity in the region.”
Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa described the agreement as “a critically important opportunity that must be seized,” emphasizing that its implementation “paves the way for the long-awaited release of all Israeli hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to the severe humanitarian crisis in the region.” He added that this is “a vital chance to lay the foundations for lasting peace based on a two-state solution.”
Beijing has expressed hope for a “permanent and comprehensive” ceasefire in Gaza following the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of the Trump peace plan, which aims to restore stability in the Palestinian enclave. “China hopes that a lasting and complete ceasefire will be achieved in Gaza as soon as possible in order to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and ease regional tensions,” said Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He added that China supports “the principle of Palestinian governance by the Palestinian people” and continues to promote the implementation of a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Jared Kushner and businessman Steve Witkoff are expected to arrive in Israel today to discuss the details of the agreement with the Israeli government. At the same time, sources note that the United States and Qatar have provided assurances to Hamas that Israel will not resume hostilities after the completion of the first phase of the Trump plan.
After more than two years of devastating conflict, Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on the first phase of a ceasefire plan for Gaza. The deal, to be formally signed at 12:00 noon local time, marks the most significant step toward peace since the war began — a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and destabilized the entire Middle East.
Great hope for the hostages and their families, for the Palestinians in Gaza, and for the entire region.
I welcome the agreement reached overnight for the release of the hostages and the ceasefire in Gaza, and I commend the efforts of President @realDonaldTrump, as well as…
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the breakthrough on his Truth Social platform early Thursday, thanking Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for mediating the talks.
“All hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its forces to an agreed line,” Trump said, describing the deal as a “lasting peace agreement.”
The White House later amplified the message on X (formerly Twitter) with a post featuring Trump’s photo and the caption: “The Peace President.”
Hamas and Israel Confirm Details
Hamas confirmed that the agreement includes an Israeli military withdrawal from much of Gaza and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The group described the negotiations as “responsible and serious” discussions based on Trump’s proposal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to the United States “for its commitment to the sacred mission of bringing the hostages home,” adding,
“With God’s help, we will bring them all back.”
Netanyahu is expected to convene both the Security Council and the Cabinet later today to formally approve the agreement.
Le président américain Donald Trump à Fox News :
J'ai parlé avec Bibi Netanyahu il y a peu. Il a appelé, il a dit, « Je n'en reviens pas. Tout le monde m'aime maintenant », il parlait de lui. J'ai dit, « Et plus important encore, ils aiment Israël à nouveau » pic.twitter.com/9SiWpgC6tX
According to sources cited by Reuters, Hamas plans to release all 20 surviving hostages by the end of the weekend, while the remains of deceased captives will be returned at a later stage. In exchange, Israel will free several hundred Palestinian prisoners and withdraw troops from 70% of Gaza within the first 24 hours of the truce.
Şarm El Şeyh’de yürütülen ve Türkiye olarak bizim de katkı sağladığımız Hamas-İsrail görüşmelerinin Gazze’de ateşkesle sonuçlanmasından büyük memnuniyet duyuyorum.
İsrail hükûmetinin ateşkese teşvik edilmesinde gerekli siyasi iradeyi ortaya koyan ABD Başkanı Sayın Trump başta…
Trump reportedly assured families of Israeli hostages by phone that “everyone will return home by Monday.” Emotional footage of the call circulated widely online, showing relatives breaking down in relief.
International Reactions
The announcement has drawn praise from world leaders. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the ceasefire “an urgently needed step forward,” urging both sides to “fully respect the terms” and ensure the safe release of all hostages.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU stands ready to assist in humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts, stressing that “the suffering must end.”
I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by @POTUS.
I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye in achieving this breakthrough. Am also encouraged…
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also welcomed the deal, expressing hope that it would “serve as a prelude to a permanent political solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.”
Regional Players and Diplomatic Efforts
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that Ankara would closely monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and continue supporting Palestinian statehood. He thanked Trump “for showing the necessary political will to encourage Israel toward peace,” as well as Qatar and Egypt for their mediation.
Diplomatic sources told The Jerusalem Post that these four countries — Qatar, Egypt, the U.S., and Turkey — have signed on as guarantors of the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, an Israeli negotiator told Haaretz that while Trump is being credited for the announcement, the breakthrough is the result of more than a year of behind-the-scenes diplomacy led by Netanyahu and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.
“This is the outcome of a plan we developed in coordination with the U.S., offering safe passage into exile for Hamas leaders in exchange for full demilitarization and the release of all hostages,” the official said.
Mixed Reactions Inside Israel
Not all Israeli ministers support the deal. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he would not vote in favor of a truce with Hamas, insisting the group “must be destroyed after the hostages are returned.” However, he stopped short of threatening to bring down the coalition government.
Despite the announcement, Israeli airstrikes were reported in northern Gaza Thursday morning, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire. The local civil defense service confirmed several explosions, which AFP described as “a series of intense air raids.”
Celebrations and Skepticism
Celebrations erupted overnight in both Israel and Gaza. Crowds gathered in Khan Younis, cheering what many Palestinians described as “historic moments” after two years of relentless warfare. In Israel, families of hostages expressed cautious optimism. “Thank you to the people of Israel, the soldiers, and President Trump,” said Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker.
Still, analysts warn that the road ahead remains uncertain. According to The Guardian, the Trump peace framework includes 20 points — balancing short-term ceasefire conditions with a longer-term political settlement. Questions remain over the future governance of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and whether all parties will honor the deal once fighting stops.
I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire & hostage release in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by @POTUS. I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt & Türkiye in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough.
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