Israel, Hamas Sign Off on First-Phase Gaza Deal

📷REUTERS

Riyadh, October 9, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of a U.S. – proposed Gaza deal, allowing for the release of Israeli hostages and an Israeli troop pullback to an agreed line, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social late Wednesday.

Trump said “ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon”, calling the agreement the opening step toward a “strong, durable” peace. The announcement follows the second anniversary of Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 abducted; Gaza authorities report 67,000+ killed during Israel’s subsequent campaign.

Mediators including Egypt and Qatar are coordinating implementation. Reporting indicates the initial phase pairs a ceasefire/hostage release with an Israeli withdrawal to a defined line, while details on Gaza’s governance and later phase remain under negotiation.