Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement: Key Details and Provisions Explained

The latest ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas outlines terms aimed at halting ongoing hostilities. Key provisions address the release of hostages, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, reflecting intense international diplomatic efforts.

Ceasefire in Gaza: A Historic Turning Point

Friday, October 10, 2025, marked a pivotal moment for the Gaza Strip as the Israeli government endorsed the initial phase of a groundbreaking ceasefire agreement. This development came after weeks of indirect talks in Egypt and mounting global pressure—much of it exerted by US President Donald Trump, who has been a vocal proponent for halting the hostilities that have ravaged the region since 2023.

Hostage Release: The Agreement’s Cornerstone

At the heart of this truce lies the release of all hostages seized during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Of the original 251 captives, Israeli authorities estimate that forty-seven remain in Gaza, with at least twenty-five presumed dead. The agreement, finalized in Cairo, compels all parties to ensure these individuals are returned within seventy-two hours of the ceasefire’s activation. Simultaneously, nearly two thousand Palestinian prisoners are set for release, accompanied by a significant increase in humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza.

The emotional resonance is evident on both sides. In Khan Younis, locals express cautious relief despite lingering grief. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv’s “Hostages’ Square” has become a focal point of anticipation, with families holding banners reading, “They are coming home.”

Trump’s Regional Strategy and Political Discord

This truce is only one component of a broader twenty-point initiative introduced by Trump on September 29. The plan aspires to lay the groundwork for long-term stability after two years of devastating conflict and an acute humanitarian crisis. The American president intends to travel to the Middle East to personally oversee the hostage repatriation—a move applauded by some global actors but met with skepticism by nations like Iran. Internally, not all Israeli officials support the deal; right-wing minister Itamar Ben Gvir remains firmly opposed.

What Comes Next for Gaza?

Looking ahead, negotiations are set to address two thorny issues: the disarmament of Hamas and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops. Another contentious aspect involves the formation of a “peace committee” led by Trump to guide a transitional administration in Gaza—a proposal rejected outright by several Palestinian groups.

Several factors explain this uncertainty:

• The fragile consensus among Israeli and Palestinian factions.
• Continued international scrutiny and diplomatic involvement.
• The deployment of two hundred American soldiers to supervise implementation.

Ultimately, the fragile peace hinges not only on strict adherence to these new commitments but also on the ability of all stakeholders to craft a shared vision for post-war Gaza—a prospect still fraught with doubts and diverging interests.