Israel and Hamas Begin Ceasefire Under Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan

Jerusalem / Gaza City, October 2025 — The Israeli military has officially confirmed that a ceasefire is now in effect in Gaza, following the Israeli government’s approval of a U.S.-brokered peace agreement with Hamas. The deal, part of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace initiative, marks the first concrete step toward halting two years of devastating conflict.

Main Provisions of the Agreement

Under the terms of the ceasefire’s first phase, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have begun a partial withdrawal from parts of the Gaza Strip, repositioning troops along designated “yellow line” zones. Israel will maintain control over roughly 53% of Gaza during this stage, pending successful implementation of the agreement.

In return, Hamas is required to release approximately 20 remaining hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire’s commencement. Concurrently, Israel will free around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees over the same period.

To alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis, hundreds of aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza in the coming days. These shipments will carry essential supplies for the war-torn population, much of which has been displaced by the prolonged conflict.

Oversight of the ceasefire will be handled by a multinational monitoring force led by the United States, with participation from several regional partners.

Current Developments on the Ground

The IDF’s pullback to pre-defined positions officially signals the start of the ceasefire and the initiation of the exchange process for hostages and prisoners. Although sporadic clashes have been reported in certain areas, both sides have expressed commitment to upholding the truce.

Thousands of displaced Palestinian civilians have begun cautiously returning to northern Gaza, attempting to assess the damage to their homes and neighborhoods after months of heavy bombardment.

Outstanding Challenges

Despite the breakthrough, several key issues remain unresolved. The future governance structure of Gaza, as well as the long-term security arrangements between Israel and Hamas, will be addressed in later phases of the peace plan.

Officials from both parties have acknowledged that not all bodies of deceased hostages can be recovered or returned within the 72-hour deadline due to widespread destruction in parts of Gaza.

Outlook

While the ceasefire marks a significant diplomatic achievement and a rare moment of calm in a long and brutal conflict, experts caution that its durability depends on the successful completion of upcoming phases.

The coming weeks will test whether this agreement can move from a temporary cessation of hostilities toward a sustainable peace — or become another short-lived truce in the region’s turbulent history.

The Way Forward for Israel and Palestine

The new ceasefire, framed by Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, represents more than just a pause in hostilities — it is a fragile experiment in coexistence. For both Israel and Palestine, the road ahead is paved with opportunity and risk in equal measure.

For Israel, the immediate challenge lies in balancing security concerns with diplomatic flexibility. The partial withdrawal of the IDF and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners are politically sensitive moves that could face domestic backlash. Yet, maintaining this truce offers Israel a strategic advantage: international goodwill, reduced military costs, and the possibility of stabilizing its southern front after years of relentless conflict.

For the Palestinians, particularly the population of Gaza, this ceasefire offers a lifeline after unimaginable devastation. The promise of humanitarian access, reconstruction aid, and a transitional governing council under international supervision could mark the beginning of a long recovery — provided internal divisions and factional politics do not derail progress. Hamas’s decision to comply with disarmament terms and allow technocratic governance will be the ultimate test of sincerity.

From a broader geopolitical perspective, the United States now occupies a pivotal role. Trump’s “Board of Peace,” if implemented effectively, could set a precedent for managed post-conflict reconstruction in the Middle East. Yet critics warn that without a credible path to Palestinian sovereignty, any temporary calm risks becoming another cycle of resentment and violence.

The only sustainable way forward lies in transforming the ceasefire into a structured peace process — one that simultaneously guarantees Israel’s security and restores Palestinian dignity through governance, reconstruction, and eventual self-determination.

Both sides have exhausted the cost of endless war. What remains to be seen is whether they — and the world — have the political will to turn this ceasefire into history’s turning point rather than another fleeting pause in a century-old struggle.