
10/09/2025
Israel and Hamas are set to sign a ceasefire agreement at 09:00 GMT, which will take effect immediately, marking the first significant breakthrough in efforts to end more than two years of devastating war in Gaza. The deal, mediated and guaranteed by Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the United States, represents the first phase of a broader peace plan. It centers on three main commitments: a prisoner exchange that will see Hamas release 20 Israeli captives in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners including 250 serving life sentences an Israeli troop withdrawal to pre-designated positions, and expanded humanitarian access into Gaza. The exchange is expected to be completed within 72 hours of the truce taking effect. Israel’s security cabinet is scheduled to meet later today to finalize approval of the deal. The agreement comes amid immense humanitarian suffering, with more than 67,000 Palestinians reported killed and large parts of Gaza reduced to rubble.