Israel and Hamas on Thursday (October 9) reached a historic agreement to implement the first phase of a US-backed peace plan aimed at pausing the two-year war in Gaza. The deal, brokered through indirect talks in Egypt, focuses on hostage releases, prisoner swaps, humanitarian aid, and partial troop withdrawals. Negotiations for the second phase, involving long-term governance and disarmament, are set to begin immediately.

First phase: What is agreed upon as immediate steps

Hostages release: Hamas has agreed to release the 20 Israeli hostages still believed to be alive, along with the remains of around 28 others who died during the October 7, 2023 attacks. The release is expected within 72 hours after Israel’s government ratifies the deal.

Ceasefire and troop redeployment: Israel will p

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