A major step toward de-escalation in the Gaza conflict has been reached, as Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a U.S.-brokered peace deal. The agreement includes the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory.
The Israeli government is expected to meet at 14:00 Jerusalem time (12:00 BST) to formally approve the deal. If approved, a ceasefire will be enacted shortly afterward. According to the United States, all remaining Israeli hostages could be released by Monday.
Hamas has confirmed the deal, though a Palestinian source told the BBC that they have not yet received the finalized list of prisoners to be released by Israel.
The agreement follows intense negotiations led by Egypt and has sparked cautious optimism among both Palestinians in Gaza and families of hostages in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the agreement as “a great day” for Israel, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “a moment of profound relief.”
Despite the breakthrough, key details remain unresolved, and a comprehensive peace deal is not yet guaranteed.
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