Israel and Hamas have formally agreed to the first phase of a United States-proposed peace plan for Gaza, signaling a potential turning point in the two-year conflict. The breakthrough was announced on October 8, 2025, by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is serving as mediator.
Lens News gathered that under the terms of the agreement, Hamas will release 20 living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while Israel will begin withdrawing troops to a mutually agreed line as part of a broader ceasefire framework. The exchange and withdrawal are central components of the first phase.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded positively, pledging to bring all hostages home “with God’s help,” and said his government would convene to formally ratify the deal. Hamas, for its part, confirmed it had signed off on the agreement, stressing that Israel must fully honor the ceasefire provisions and withdrawal commitments.
The announcement drew swift reactions from international actors. Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey key mediators in the talks expressed support, while European nations, the UN, and other world leaders welcomed the development as an opportunity to ease humanitarian suffering and restore peace.
Despite optimism, analysts caution that many details remain unresolved. Questions persist about the timeline for full implementation, the future of Gaza governance, the demilitarization of Hamas, and guarantees against renewed hostilities. Previous deals have collapsed under similar pressures of mistrust and non-compliance.
The conflict, which erupted following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and Israel’s ensuing military response, has inflicted massive casualties and devastation in Gaza. Authorities estimate tens of thousands of lives lost and extensive infrastructure damage.
Lens News notes that the success of this first (phase) will hinge on strict adherence by both parties and the active support of international guarantors to prevent a relapse into violence.
