Israel and Hamas agree to truce, plan hostage exchange

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After two years of intense conflict, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a pause in fighting and a hostage-prisoner exchange, marking the most significant breakthrough since the war began in October 2023.

Under the deal, Hamas will release all remaining hostages, while Israel begins a gradual withdrawal from most of Gaza. The agreement, brokered with the support of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, has sparked both relief and cautious optimism across the region.

The war has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives, left Gaza in ruins, and displaced countless families. Despite the agreement, Israeli airstrikes continued Thursday, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting 11 deaths and 49 injuries in the past 24 hours.

In Tel Aviv, families of hostages celebrated the news with tears and joy, while in Khan Younis, Palestinians expressed mixed emotions — mourning their losses even as they welcomed the ceasefire.

Trump said the released hostages would “return home by Monday,” adding that he plans to visit the region soon.

Though key questions remain — including who will govern Gaza and how Hamas will disarm — this truce offers a rare moment of hope in a war that has caused immense suffering and global unrest.

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