KATHMANDU — After nearly two years of relentless conflict, Israel and Hamas have reached a historic ceasefire agreement, raising hopes for peace in war-torn Gaza. The violent confrontation, which claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, had turned the region into a humanitarian disaster.
The agreement was finalized in Cairo, following intensive negotiations mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Based on U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace framework, both sides agreed to implement the first phase of the ceasefire. The official signing ceremony is expected to take place in Cairo on Thursday.
Trump described the deal as “a historic step toward lasting peace.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “This is a great day for the Arab world, for Muslim nations, for Israel, and for all neighboring countries. Peace is possible, and this agreement proves it. We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their efforts.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also welcomed the agreement, calling it a “historic opportunity.” He has called a cabinet meeting for Thursday to formally approve the deal.
Ceasefire Terms and Humanitarian Provisions
Under the first phase, Hamas will release 48 Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks. In return, Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including women, children, and those serving life sentences. Both sides have agreed to immediately halt all air and artillery strikes.
The agreement also allows humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. According to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, arrangements are underway to open humanitarian corridors to deliver food, medicine, and other essential supplies during the first phase.
According to Trump’s plan, all hostages must be released within 72 hours of the ceasefire’s implementation. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are returned, Israel will return the bodies of 15 Gazan civilians.
The White House stated that once all hostages are freed, Israel will also release 250 prisoners serving life sentences and about 1,700 Gazans detained after the recent Hamas attacks.
Rebuilding Gaza and Future Governance
While the ceasefire has brought relief to both Israelis and Palestinians, rebuilding Gaza remains a massive challenge. The United Nations estimates that reconstruction will require at least $450 billion and could take up to 15 years. The war has destroyed homes, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure, leaving millions in crisis.
Trump has urged Middle Eastern countries to support Gaza’s reconstruction but has not provided specific details. The political future of Gaza also remains uncertain — particularly regarding Hamas’s role in governance and the question of disarmament.
Under Trump’s peace plan, Gaza will temporarily be governed by a “technocratic, non-political Palestinian committee”, before control is transferred to the Palestinian Authority.
Hope for Lasting Peace
Though widely welcomed as a major diplomatic breakthrough, experts warn that lasting peace will require strong political will from both sides. Hamas has not yet agreed to full disarmament, and divisions within Israel’s ruling coalition could complicate implementation.
Nevertheless, the ceasefire has brought a rare sense of calm to Gaza. After years of bombings and airstrikes, families are hearing the silence of peace — a fragile but hopeful beginning.
