When Israel and the Hamas put pen to paper on 9 October 2025, the world finally heard a collective sigh of relief. The signing took place in Sharm el Sheikh, South Sinai, under the watchful eyes of the United States, Qatar and Egypt. Within hours, the Israeli cabinet gave the green light, prompting the Israel Defense Forces to pull back and a ceasefire to snap into place at exactly 12:00 noon on 10 October 2025.
Background to the Ceasefire
The Gaza conflict, which erupted in early October 2023, had escalated into the longest‑running hostilities of the decade. Diplomatic overtures bounced back and forth for months, but a concrete framework remained elusive—until the Trump administration revived a draft originating in the previous Biden term. Former Secretary of State Antony John Blinken later admitted the plan had been "left in a drawer" before his successor Donald J. Trump took office in January 2025.
Key Terms of the First Phase
- Complete IDF withdrawal to pre‑agreed lines by 12:00 noon EET on 10 October 2025.
- Immediate opening of humanitarian corridors coordinated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
- Release of all living Israeli hostages by 12:00 noon on 13 October 2025.
- Return of the remains of deceased hostages in the same 72‑hour window.
- Israel to free 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences, as part of the exchange.
- Establishment of a joint monitoring task force led by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and other nations.
Reactions from Stakeholders
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister who was not named in the original document praised the "historic step toward peace" while urging citizens to stay calm as troops redeployed. Hamas’ political bureau, speaking through a spokesperson, called the deal "a humanitarian necessity" and pledged to honor the hostage‑release timeline.
In Washington, the Department of Defense deployed a joint control center headed by General Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Cooper’s team, based out of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, began real‑time verification of the IDF pull‑back and the subsequent prisoner swaps.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al‑Sisi, speaking from Cairo, highlighted the country's role as "the bridge that finally connected both sides". Qatar’s foreign minister echoed the sentiment, stressing that the multinational monitoring task force would "ensure transparency and prevent spoilers".
Monitoring and Implementation
The monitoring task force set up a 24‑hour hotline for any violations and mandated daily progress reports to all signatories. According to the initial schedule, the first convoy of aid—food, medicine and fuel—entered Gaza within 30 minutes of the ceasefire taking effect. OCHA estimates that the first 50 tonnes of supplies will reach roughly 200,000 civilians by nightfall.
From a logistical standpoint, orchestrating the release of 2,000 prisoners and coordinating the safe return of hostages within a three‑day window is a massive undertaking. Experts from the International Crisis Group warned that any delay—especially in verifying the identity of released prisoners—could reignite tensions. To mitigate this risk, the task force will use biometric scanners at the Rafah crossing, a method previously trialed in 2021.
Implications and Next Steps
The ceasefire marks the first time since the conflict began that the Gaza Strip has seen a sustained halt to active combat. For the roughly 2.3 million civilians living there, the pause means hospitals can finally receive much‑needed oxygen tanks, and schools may reopen under UN supervision.
However, the peace plan is only the first phase. Future stages are expected to tackle longer‑term security arrangements, governance structures for Gaza, and a multi‑billion‑dollar reconstruction fund. While the document signed on 9 October is silent on these details, analysts say the success of the hostage‑prisoner exchange will heavily influence the willingness of both sides to engage in deeper talks.
President Donald J. Trump is slated to announce the formal end of the war once the 13 October deadline passes without incident. The exact timing of that proclamation remains under wraps, but the White House has hinted at a televised address from the Oval Office.
Key Facts
- Date of signing: 9 October 2025
- Location: Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
- Ceasefire start: 12:00 noon EET, 10 October 2025
- Hostage release deadline: 12:00 noon EET, 13 October 2025
- Palestinian prisoners to be freed: 2,000 (including 250 life sentences)
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the ceasefire affect daily life for Gaza residents?
With combat halted, humanitarian convoys can move freely, allowing food, water and medical supplies to reach neighborhoods that have been under siege for months. Schools and clinics are expected to reopen under UN supervision, though power outages may persist until infrastructure repairs begin.
What guarantees are there that Hamas will release the hostages on time?
The multinational monitoring task force, led by the United States and supported by Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, will verify each release using biometric data at the Rafah crossing. Daily progress reports will be shared with all parties, and any deviation will trigger diplomatic repercussions outlined in the agreement.
Why is the United States overseeing the implementation?
President Trump’s administration revived the peace framework and committed resources to ensure its success. By placing General Brad Cooper’s CENTCOM at the helm of the control center, the U.S. provides both logistical expertise and a neutral security presence that both Israel and Hamas have agreed to accept.
What are the next steps after the 13 October deadline?
Assuming the hostage‑prisoner exchange proceeds without incident, the parties will move to Phase Two, which is expected to address Gaza’s governance, reconstruction funding, and longer‑term security guarantees. International donors, led by the World Bank and the European Union, have already signaled willingness to contribute to a multi‑billion‑dollar rebuild.
How does this agreement compare to previous ceasefires in the region?
Unlike earlier, short‑lived truces, this deal couples a full military withdrawal with a large‑scale prisoner exchange and a robust international monitoring mechanism. The 72‑hour hostage‑release window and the involvement of multiple regional powers make it the most comprehensive arrangement attempted to date.
Pravalika Sweety
It’s encouraging to finally see a coordinated effort that prioritises civilian safety.