Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a peace initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing two-year conflict. The agreement includes a pause in fighting and the release of hostages and prisoners.
As part of the deal, Hamas is expected to release all 20 surviving Israeli hostages in the coming days, while Israel will begin withdrawing military forces from most parts of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope on social media, saying, “With God’s help we will bring them all home.” Hamas confirmed the agreement and stated that it would include an Israeli troop withdrawal, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the exchange of detainees.
However, several key issues remain unresolved, including how and whether Hamas will disarm and who will take over the administration of Gaza.
Tensions Persist Ahead of Ceasefire Implementation
Although the ceasefire has not yet been officially approved or enacted, tensions on the ground remain high. Israeli tanks fired warning shots near crowds of displaced Palestinians who had gathered along Gaza’s main coastal highway, hoping to return to their homes in the north.
Hundreds of thousands had fled northern Gaza due to Israeli operations that began in late August. The Israeli military continues to warn residents against returning, calling the north a “dangerous combat zone.”
Footage from the Associated Press showed smoke rising near the al-Rashid road, with tanks blocking access and scattered gunfire prompting people to flee the area.
Israeli Government to Vote on Deal
Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to call a meeting of his Security Cabinet Thursday night to approve the ceasefire. Afterward, the full Israeli parliament will vote on the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Although some far-right ministers may oppose the deal, both measures are expected to pass comfortably. Once approved, a list of prisoners to be freed will be made public. Families of victims linked to those prisoners will have 24 hours to file objections with Israel’s Supreme Court. However, legal experts note that the court has never previously blocked such releases.
Celebrations in Jerusalem During Sukkot
In Jerusalem, thousands of religious Jews gathered at the Western Wall to celebrate the Sukkot holiday, with added joy following the announcement of the upcoming hostage release.
“We’ve seen God’s miracles before, but today we witnessed one,” said Avi Kozman, celebrating with the traditional Sukkot palm branch after receiving the Priestly Blessing.
Sukkot is a time of joy, and many in the crowd saw the news as divine intervention. Hindel Berman, a visitor from New Jersey, said she believed the announcement was an answer to prayers she had been offering since the war began on October 7. “We were screaming and singing last night,” she said.