News Center — The agreement, which includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from about 70% of Gaza and a mutual exchange of prisoners, has been widely welcomed by the international community. Many hope it will serve as a turning point toward long-term calm and stability in the region.

According to media reports on Wednesday, October 8, the deal outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal coupled with a synchronized exchange of hostages and prisoners between the two sides. Israeli officials stated that the ceasefire agreement is expected to be formally signed on Thursday, October 9, with the first prisoner releases set to begin within 48 hours.

Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed details of the first phase of the agreement. A senior Hamas official confirmed that the implementation will begin with the release of living Israeli hostages, alongside the release of over 2,000 Palestinian detainees within the first 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect. The plan also includes a timetable for Israeli troop withdrawals from designated areas across the Gaza Strip.

This stage represents a crucial step toward de-escalation and the preparation for subsequent phases of the peace process.

The announcement came just one day after the second anniversary of the war, which resulted in more than 67,000 deaths and widespread destruction across Gaza.

The agreement was met with broad international support, as several countries and organizations hailed it as a positive step toward stability. It represents the first stage of the peace plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Gaza.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the deal, emphasizing that “all hostages must be released” and calling for a permanent ceasefire to end the fighting and humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

Canada also welcomed the implementation of the first phase of the agreement, describing it as “a positive move toward de-escalation and lasting stability in the region.”