Today, October 9, 2025, Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, through indirect negotiations that took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
Details of the agreement
- The agreement provides for the cessation of military attacks and the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
- Hamas will release all Israeli prisoners within 72 hours of the ceasefire coming into effect.
- In exchange, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinians in prison, including those serving heavy sentences.
- Humanitarian aid will increase and enter Gaza at an increased pace.
International reactions and challenges
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the agreement as an important step towards peace and called for the agreement to be fully implemented, including the release of prisoners and humanitarian access.
Critics within Israel express doubts: some officials consider the deal a major compromise that could cause strategic uncertainty, especially in the absence of solutions for governing Gaza and disarming Hamas.
A major challenge remains the status of Hamas, its political role, and how Gaza will be administered after the ceasefire, issues that were not fully addressed at this stage of the agreement.
Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, AP News
