Israel and Hamas have agreed to end the war in Gaza on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, after two years of devastating conflict that claimed over 67,000 lives.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, revealing that Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas had signed off on phase one of his Gaza peace plan.
Trump’s statement comes as Israeli and Hamas officials continue indirect talks in Egypt over a 20-point peace proposal unveiled by the former US president to end the prolonged war.
“This means that all of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps towards a strong, durable and everlasting peace,” Trump said.
“With God’s help, we will bring them all home,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after Trump’s announcement, referring to the Israeli hostages.
Hamas also confirmed reaching a deal that provides for an end to the war in Gaza.
The Palestinian resistant group said in a statement that “it has reached an agreement providing for an end to the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of the occupation, the entry of humanitarian aid and exchange of prisoners.”
It further called on US President Donald Trump to ensure Israel fully implements the agreement and “not allow it to evade or procrastinate in implementing what has been agreed.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement, described the development as “a big day for Israel.”
“Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home. I thank the heroic IDF soldiers and all the security forces — thanks to their courage and sacrifice, we have reached this day.”
Since Israel launched its military response to the Hamas cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, at least 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, and large portions of Gaza have been reduced to rubble.
A CNN satellite data analysis revealed that more than 60% of all buildings in the Gaza Strip have been damaged or destroyed since the conflict began. The latest wave of devastation, following the end of the March 2025 ceasefire, was concentrated in Rafah, Khan Younis, and areas around Gaza City.
According to Israeli officials, about 1,200 people were killed in the initial Hamas attack, while 251 were taken hostage. Of the 48 hostages still held, only around 20 are believed to be alive
