Israel and Hamas said late on Wednesday they had agreed to a ceasefire and hostage deal, marking the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza that has killed at least 67,000 Palestinians.

The announcement came two years and a day after Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, which left 1,200 dead and triggered an Israeli assault that flattened much of Gaza. Trump’s 20-point plan, negotiated in Egypt with the help of Qatar and Turkey, includes the release of 1,950 Palestinian prisoners and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Trump said the agreement would see the release of all hostages and an Israeli troop withdrawal to an agreed line – the first step toward what he called “a strong, durable, and everlasting peace”. According to Israel, about 20 hostages are still alive in Gaza, along with the bodies of roughly 25 others.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government would meet on Thursday to approve the plan, calling it a “national and moral victory”.

Hamas said the deal to “end the war on Gaza” included a “complete withdrawal of the occupation forces,” the “entry of humanitarian aid,” and a prisoner exchange. The militant group also vowed to continue pursuing “freedom, independence, and self-determination”.

Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, confirmed in a post on X that mediators had reached an agreement “on all the terms and mechanism for implementing the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to the end of the war”. He added that details will be shared later.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement “based on the proposal put forward by President Trump”. She said “all parties must fully uphold” its terms, stressing that “all hostages must be released safely” and “a permanent ceasefire must be established”.

Von der Leyen also emphasised that “the EU will continue to support the swift and safe delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza” and “be ready to help with recovery and reconstruction”. She urged that “today’s opportunity should be seized” to “forge a credible political path toward lasting peace and security” anchored in “the two-state solution”

EU Foreign Affairs High Representative Kaja Kallas applauded the signing of the first phase of the hostage-release and ceasefire agreement in Gaza as “a tremendous diplomatic achievement.” She said that the plan is “a real chance to end the war,” adding “the Union will do everything in its power to support the implementation of the agreement”.

The ceasefire’s success, however, hinges on details yet unclear: who governs Gaza, the fate of Hamas, and the durability of Trump’s 20-point framework, which envisions international oversight – possibly led by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

At time of publication, reports differed on when hostages would be released. Two sources familiar with the talks told The Times of Israel that the militant group will release all the remaining living hostages on Saturday, while a senior White House official said the process will likely begin on Monday.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that Rome is ready “to take part in strengthening the ceasefire in Gaza, including sending troops to assist peacekeeping forces if needed”.

The European Commission has proposed punitive measures against Israel in an effort to pressure Netanyahu to change course in the Gaza war. That plan – which included suspending parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and sanctioning extremist ministers and violent settlers – could now be shelved in light of the peace deal.

Europe welcomes Gaza ceasefire deal

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the agreement, stating that “France is ready to continue working toward a two-state solution and ending the war. We will continue discussions this afternoon in Paris with our counterparts around the world.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years,” and urged “all parties to meet the commitments they have made”.

In a post on X, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani declared that Rome is ready “to take part in strengthening the ceasefire in Gaza, including sending troops to assist peacekeeping forces if needed”.

Eddy Wax contributed to this report.