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Gaza ceasefire announcement with Israel-Hamas hostage exchange details on textured background.
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Israel and Hamas Begin Hostage Swap under First Phase of Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Israel Reduces Gaza Bombing After Trump Comments

Israel has scaled back its bombing in Gaza and is considering talks with Hamas after President Trump praised Hamas's proposal to release hostages.

  • Israeli military eases Gaza offensive
  • Trump calls for halt in bombing
  • Hamas offers to release hostages
  • Netanyahu responds to Trump's request
  • Military redeployment within Gaza planned
  • Forceful disarmament of Hamas possible

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet approved the first phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan on October 9, 2025. The decision establishes an immediate ceasefire and a hostage-for-prisoner exchange.

Hostage and Prisoner Exchange

All 20 living Israeli hostages and 28 bodies will be released within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees, including individuals serving life sentences. Safe corridors will facilitate the swap.[1][2]

Israeli Military Redeployment

Following the hostage release, Israeli forces will withdraw to agreed positions, retaining control over approximately 53 percent of Gaza. Troop pullback must conclude before the 72-hour countdown begins.[3][4]

Humanitarian Aid Delivery

The framework mandates at least 400 aid trucks per day entering Gaza, with volumes increasing over time. United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations will coordinate shipments through Egyptian and Israeli checkpoints to ensure consistent delivery of food, water and medicine.[3]

Casualties and Impact

Since October 7, 2023, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports more than 67,000 Palestinian fatalities and 169,000 injuries. The Israeli military confirms 466 service members killed in Gaza operations. Intense fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands and damaged critical infrastructure.[5][6]

Timeline and Religious Calendar

The cabinet vote on October 9 triggered the ceasefire immediately. Hostage releases will occur within three days. Netanyahu expressed hope to announce full release progress during Sukkot, which began October 6, 2025.[7][8]

Future Phases and Governance

Subsequent phases will address Hamas disarmament and Gaza’s transitional administration. Trump’s 20-point plan proposes an interim technocratic authority overseen by an international Board of Peace chaired by the United States and including other global leaders.[9]

Regional and International Response

Egypt and Qatar, which mediated talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, welcomed Hamas’s acceptance of the framework. The European Union and United Nations described the agreement as a critical step toward lasting peace.

Remaining Challenges

Hamas’s commitment to disarm remains untested. Hard-line members of Netanyahu’s coalition oppose further concessions. Reconstruction financing and long-term political arrangements will require extensive diplomacy.

Emily Johnson

Emily Johnson

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Emily Johnson is a senior journalist and political analyst with nearly a decade of experience in political journalism, international affairs, policy analysis, and investigative reporting. She holds a B.A. in Journalism & Political Communication from Georgetown University (2015), where she built a strong foundation in international relations, media ethics, and data-driven reporting. Emily began her career as a staff writer for Reuters before joining Politico Europe, where she became known for her evidence-based and policy-focused coverage of global political developments, leadership transitions, and international diplomacy. Currently based in Berlin, Germany, she contributes to Faharas NET, focusing on global politics, European policy, and cross-border investigations. Her writing blends rigorous fact-checking, accessible analysis, and deep geopolitical insight, earning her a reputation for credibility and balance in an increasingly polarized media landscape.

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Editorial Timeline

Revisions
— by Elena Voren
SEO improvements have been made to the article.
— by Howayda Sayed
Organized sections logically from event details to future outlook.
— by Howayda Sayed
Removed unverified claims to ensure factual integrity.
— by Howayda Sayed
Verified all figures and dates using official, reliable sources.
— by Howayda Sayed
Refined and clarified the article title.
— by Howayda Sayed
Initial publication.

Correction Record

Accountability
— by Howayda Sayed
  1. Casualty figures updated to 67,000+ Palestinian deaths and 169,000 injuries per Gaza Health Ministry.
  2. Israeli military fatalities confirmed at 466 from IDF reports.
  3. Verified Sukkot start on October 6, 2025 for timeline accuracy.
  4. Clarified phase one approval requires formal ratification before full implementation.
  5. Detailed prisoner exchange count: nearly 2,000 Palestinians for 48 hostages.
  6. Added humanitarian aid minimum of 400 daily trucks, citing ceasefire agreement.
  7. Cited governance proposal of international oversight Board of Peace.
  8. Removed unverified Nobel Peace Prize speculation to maintain neutrality.

FAQ

Why is Israel reducing its bombing in Gaza?

To facilitate potential talks with Hamas.

What did Trump say about the hostages?

He praised Hamas's offer to release them.

Who is involved in the negotiations?

Israel and Hamas are expected to negotiate.