Ceasefire Deal: A Major Breakthrough, But War Not Over Yet

After more than two years of relentless conflict and devastating losses, a significant breakthrough has occurred in the prolonged war between Israel and Hamas. On October 8, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed on the initial phase of a peace framework centered on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of hostages and prisoners. This development marks a hopeful step toward ending one of the most deadly conflicts in recent history, yet the war is far from fully over.aljazeera+1

The Historic Agreement

The ceasefire deal is part of a broader 20-point plan presented by President Trump during his re-election campaign, emphasizing the restoration of peace in the Gaza region. According to Trump’s announcement, both Israel and Hamas have consented to the first phase of the plan, which includes:

A ceasefire in Gaza.
The immediate release of all captives held by both sides.
Israeli military forces withdrawing to a mutually agreed-upon boundary.
The establishment of equitable treatment for all parties as a foundation for more lasting peace.

Trump expressed gratitude to mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye who helped facilitate the agreement. He also indicated plans to visit the Middle East soon to advance the peace process further.aljazeera

The Human Toll and Urgency

The conflict ignited on October 7, 2023, with a surprise attack by Hamas militants on Israeli territories, leading to significant casualties on both sides. Over 67,000 fatalities have been reported, with many civilians among the dead. Approximately 250 hostages were taken by Hamas, some reportedly still alive, with plans to begin their release imminently following the agreement. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, marked by widespread displacement, famine, and destroyed infrastructure, underscores the urgency of the ceasefire and the need for humanitarian aid access.reuters+1

What Remains Unresolved

Despite the hopeful nature of the agreement, critical issues remain:

The timeline and scope of Israel’s military withdrawal are yet to be finalized.
The future governance structure in Gaza after the ceasefire is unclear.
Hamas’s status and whether it will disarm remain major points of contention.
The extent to which the ceasefire leads to sustainable peace versus a fragile pause is uncertain.

Analysts caution that serious disagreements persist, and the complete cessation of hostilities depends on further negotiation and compliance from both sides.aljazeera

Responses From Key Parties

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a “great day for Israel,” emphasizing the importance of freeing hostages and continuing efforts to foster peace. Netanyahu pledged to present the agreement for cabinet approval and reiterated his commitment to bringing all hostages home safely.

Hamas welcomed the deal in a public statement, highlighting its terms as an end to war, withdrawal, entry of aid, and prisoner exchange. The group praised the resilience of Palestinians and urged enforcement of the agreement without delay.aljazeera

The Path Forward

Following cabinet approval, Israeli forces are expected to withdraw, triggering a countdown for hostage release. Trump plans to convene an international governing board, chaired by himself and including prominent global leaders, to oversee Gaza’s post-conflict governance.

Humanitarian agencies stress that stopping active bombardment is only the beginning. Massive reconstruction, unrestricted aid delivery, and long-term political solutions remain essential to ensuring that this ceasefire marks more than a temporary lull.nrc

While this ceasefire deal represents a major breakthrough toward ending the brutal conflict, the war is not over yet. Continued diplomatic efforts, verification of compliance, and addressing unresolved political and humanitarian challenges remain critical to lasting peace in the region.

This article summarizes the current situation and key facts of the ceasefire deal as of October 2025, based on reports from major news sources and official statements.reuters+2

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Thursday, October 9, 2025

Ceasefire Deal: A Major Breakthrough, But War Not Over Yet