TL;DR: Despite a ceasefire deal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump between Israel and Hamas on October 8, 2025, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza. The deal includes a phased plan for a ceasefire, hostage and prisoner exchanges, and partial troop withdrawals. The situation remains fragile amid ongoing violence.
What Happened
- On October 8, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a 20-point Gaza peace plan, including a ceasefire, hostage releases, and partial Israeli troop withdrawals.
- The announcement was made via Trump’s Truth Social post:
- The agreement was reached through indirect talks in Egypt, with mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
- Explosions and airstrikes were reported in northern Gaza and Gaza City shortly after the ceasefire announcement, continuing into October 9.
- Gaza’s Civil Defence reported “a series of intense airstrikes,” including in Sabra and Tel al-Hawa neighborhoods.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan.”
Key Deal Details
- Ceasefire: Immediate pause in hostilities, with Israel to redeploy but maintain control over certain areas.
- Hostage Release: Hamas to release ~20 living Israeli hostages and remains of ~28 others. Release expected to begin around October 13.
- Prisoner Exchange: Israel to release ~2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including ~250 serving life sentences.
- Troop Withdrawal: Partial Israeli pullback from most of Gaza; full withdrawal tied to future deal phases.
- Humanitarian Aid: Five crossings opened from October 9 for aid deliveries; UN to lead relief operations.
Reactions and Concerns
- Celebrations reported in Gaza and Israel.
- Israeli families of hostages set off fireworks, hoping for loved ones’ release.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed a "window of opportunity" for humanitarian access.
- Concerns remain over the durability of the agreement. Ongoing strikes raise doubts about full compliance.
- Critics, including analysts and U.S. conservatives, warn about ambiguity, lack of enforcement, and risk of collapse, as seen with previous failed deals.
“Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,” - Abdul Majeed abd Rabbo, Gaza resident (Reuters)
Ongoing Violence
- Despite the ceasefire deal, 271 Israeli strikes were conducted in the five days before the announcement.
- In the 24 hours after the October 8 announcement, at least 8 Palestinians were killed and 61 wounded, according to Gaza’s Government Media Office.
- Israeli military activity continues in areas such as Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, displacing more residents.
Background
- The conflict began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, which killed ~1,200 people in Israel.
- Israel’s response has led to over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, per Gaza health authorities.
- The deal builds on a failed U.S. peace attempt from early 2025 and includes plans for Gaza’s post-war governance and international stabilization.