Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a peace plan in a “historic and unprecedented” moment, President Donald Trump said Wednesday.
“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, affirming that “All Parties will be treated fairly!”
He called it “a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America,” thanking mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “With God's help we will bring them all home” in reference to the remaining 48 hostages as the news was announced.
The announcement came shortly after Trump received a note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a round table meeting, which read, according to a photograph: “We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first.”
Hamas and Israel on Wednesday exchanged lists of prisoners and hostages to be released as part of a potential agreement, according to senior Hamas official Taher Al-Nounou.
Key Points
- Israel and Hamas have signed off first phase of a peace plan
- Netanyahu declares it's 'a great day for Israel'
- In pictures: Rubio shares note with Trump saying Middle East deal is 'very close' asking him to approve Truth Social post
- Israel 'attacks' new Gaza aid flotilla
- Meloni says she was reported to ICC for alleged complicity in genocide
- What's next after Israel and Hamas agree to first phase of peace deal?
What we know about the Israel-Hamas deal...so far
01:30 , Rachel Dobkin- President Donald Trump announced Wednesday Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace deal, which includes the release of all 48 remaining hostages, only 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.
- Trump called the agreement “the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “With God's help we will bring them all home,” referring to the remaining hostages.
- Hamas is expected to release all 20 living hostages as early as this weekend, according to AP sources.
Trump said Netanyahu was 'so happy' on post-peace deal call
04:00 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump has said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “so happy” during a phone call after his country and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace deal Wednesday.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”
Shortly after the announcement, Trump told Axios he just had a “great” call with Netanyahu, adding, “He is so happy. He should be. It is a great achievement. The whole world has come together to reach this deal, including countries that were enemies.”
Axios reported Netanyahu invited Trump to address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset.
"I will definitely do that if they want me to,” Trump told the outlet.
Earlier Wednesday, the White House said Trump may go to the Middle East shortly after his yearly check-up at the Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday.
Watch: Trump explains how he 'Arab nations' on board with peace deal: 'I develop relationships with people'
03:30 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump has explained how he got “Arab nations” on board with an Israel-Hamas peace deal, telling Fox News’ Sean Hannity Wednesday, “I develop relationships with people.”
.@POTUS on forming a coalition with the same Arab nations that were reluctant for decades to be part of a solution for peace in Gaza: "I develop relationships with people — and sometimes those relationships lead to great things..." pic.twitter.com/8Knbg6Pv2F
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 9, 2025
Earlier Wednesday, Trump announced in a Truth Social post that Israel and Hamas “signed off” on the first stage of the peace deal.
“This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen,” Trump said.
Gaza hostage advocacy group reacts to peace deal: 'Our struggle is not over'
03:00 , Rachel DobkinThe Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced in a press release following the signing of an Israel-Hamas peace deal, “Our struggle is not over.”
Trump announced the deal Wednesday, saying that both Israel and Hamas “signed off” on the first phase of it.
All the 48 remaining hostages in Gaza, only 20 of whom are believed to still be alive, will be returned, and Israel will withdraw their troops, Trump said.
While the hostage advocacy group said the peace deal announcement “represents important and meaningful progress,” it said, “Our struggle is not over and will not end until the last hostage returns.”
Hamas is expected to release all 20 living hostages as early as this weekend, according to AP sources.
Analysis: Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal. What’s next?
02:30 , Rachel DobkinBel Trew writes:
Wednesday evening in the United States brought the news millions across the world have been praying for: a ceasefire deal for Gaza that hopefully heralds in the end of one of the bloodiest conflicts of our time.
The details of the deal have yet to be fully disclosed. Reports are emerging that it will initially concern the release of the remaining 20 living hostages, who could be freed as early as this weekend. In tandem, there will be the release of hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli prisons and a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from the besieged enclave.
A source familiar with the negotiations told The Independent Hamas will start releasing the 20 living hostages as early as Saturday, the 28 bodies of the remaining deceased hostages are apparently not included in this phase.
But it is important to note this is an initial phase, not the entire plan for the final end to this devastating two-year conflict. It is not an answer to what comes next for Gaza.
Read on...
Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal. What’s next?
Trump claims Israel and Hamas have signed off on ‘first Phase of our Peace Plan’ and all hostages will be released ‘very soon’
02:00 , Bryony Gooch
Trump claims Israel and Hamas agree to first phase of Gaza peace plan
Who will run any post-war Gaza administration?
01:00 , Sam RkainaTrump's plan calls for an international body led by Trump himself and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to play a role in Gaza's post-war administration.
Arab countries which back the plan say it must lead to eventual independence for a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu says will never happen.
Even if a major breakthrough is reached, there is no clear indication who will rule Gaza when the war ends.
Netanyahu, Trump, Western and Arab states have ruled out a role for Hamas, which has run Gaza since driving out Palestinian rivals in 2007.
Hamas has said it was ready to relinquish Gaza governance, but only to a Palestinian technocrat government supervised by the Palestinian Authority and backed by Arab and Muslim countries, as per a longstanding Egyptian proposal.
It rejects any role for Blair or foreign rule of Gaza.
Netanyahu to approve Gaza ceasefire in government on Thursday
Thursday 9 October 2025 00:33 , Bryony GoochIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convene the government on Thursday to approve the Gaza ceasefire agreement aimed at bringing home all the Israeli hostages.
"A great day for Israel," Netanyahu added in a statement following US President Donald Trump's announcement that a deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas to end the two-year war in Gaza.
Hamas to release all 20 living hostages this weekend - Report
Thursday 9 October 2025 00:32 , Bryony GoochThe first phase of the peace plan appears to be fast moving with Hamas reportedly set to release all 20 living hostages as early as this weekend, accordign to AP sources who reported that, Israel is set to withdraw from majority of Gaza.
Netanyahu declares it's 'a great day for Israel'
Thursday 9 October 2025 00:30 , Bryony GoochPrime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said it’s a “great day for Israel” as the country agreed to the first phase of a peace plan with Hamas.
“A great day for Israel. Tomorrow I will convene the government to approve the agreement and bring all our dear hostages home.
“I thank the heroic IDF soldiers and all the security forces — thanks to their courage and sacrifice, we have reached this day.
“I thank from the bottom of my heart President Trump and his team for their dedication to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages.
“With God’s help, together we will continue to achieve all our goals and expand peace with our neighbors.”
יום גדול לישראל. אכנס מחר את הממשלה כדי לאשר את ההסכם ולהחזיר את כל חטופינו היקרים הביתה.
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 8, 2025
אני מודה לחיילי צה״ל הגיבורים ולכל כוחות הביטחון שבזכות אומץ ליבם והקרבתם הגענו ליום הזה.
אני מודה מעומק ליבי לנשיא טראמפ ולצוותו על התגייסותם למשימה קדושה זו של שחרור חטופינו.
בעזרת…
Hamas says deal reached to end Gaza war, calls for ensuring Israel implements it
Thursday 9 October 2025 00:26 , Bryony GoochHamas has said it had reached an agreement to end the war in Gaza following talks on a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump, saying the deal includes an Israeli withdrawal from the enclave and a hostage-prisoner exchange.
Hamas called on Trump and guarantor states to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire, it added in a statement.
Qatar announces agreement reached on all provisions of first phase of ceasefire agreement
Thursday 9 October 2025 00:07 , Bryony GoochA spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry has said that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan.
“The mediators announce that tonight an agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid.
“The details will be announced later.”
Netanyahu speaks on peace deal: 'With God's help we will bring them all home'
Wednesday 8 October 2025 23:57 , Bryony GoochPrime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken out as Israel and Hamas have agreed on a deal, believed to be the first phase of a peace plan.
He said: “With God's help we will bring them all home,” in reference to the hostages taken on October 7 2023.
There are believed to be 48 hostages still being held in Gaza, only 20 of whom are thought to be alive.
Israel and Hamas have signed off first phase of a peace plan
Wednesday 8 October 2025 23:54 , Bryony GoochPresident Donald Trump has shared that Israel and Hamas have signed off the first phase of a peace plan.
In a statement on Truth Social, he said: “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly!
“This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
Hamas, Egypt intelligence chief meet to finalise Gaza accord, source says
Wednesday 8 October 2025 23:37 , Bryony GoochHamas' Gaza chief, Khalil Al-Hayya, is meeting with Egypt's intelligence head to put the finishing touches to a "historic" Gaza agreement, a source briefed on the talks told Reuters.
An agreement could be announced on Thursday, the source added.
A source close to the negotiators has told The Independent that a deal between Israel and Hamas seems to be close.
Ten year-old girl who survived being taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 calls for peace deal
Wednesday 8 October 2025 23:00 , Sam RkainaA ten-year-old girl who was taken hostage by Hamas in the October 7 attacks has called for a peace deal to end the war.
Emily Hand was held by Hamas for 50 days after militants entered Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage in Gaza.
“I know what it’s like to be a hostage in Gaza and want everyone to come home and I want peace,” she told The Sun.
“I’ve never lived in peace in my life. I want to know what it’s like.”
Hand, a dual Irish-Israeli national, was one of 17 hostages freed in November 2023 under an agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Trump says Israel peace deal ‘very close’ after Rubio slips him note as president reveals possible Gaza visit
Wednesday 8 October 2025 22:43 , Bryony GoochRubio slips Trump note that peace deal ‘very close’ as Trump says he may visit Gaza
In pictures: Rubio shares note with Trump saying Middle East deal is 'very close' asking him to approve Truth Social post
Wednesday 8 October 2025 22:40 , Bryony Gooch
Trump says he 'probably will' go to Gaza
Wednesday 8 October 2025 22:35 , Bryony GoochAsked if he would go to Gaza, President Donald Trump said: “I would. I might do that. I may do that. We haven't decided exactly I'll be going to Egypt.
“Most likely, that's where everybody is gathered right now, and we appreciate that very much. But I'll be making the rounds as the expression goes. I probably will."
Rubio tells Trump 'we're very close to a deal in the Middle East'
Wednesday 8 October 2025 22:32 , Bryony GoochDonald Trump was told by Marco Rubio that a deal in the Middle East is imminent, he told reporters.
“I was just given a note by the Secretary of State saying that we're very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they're going to need me pretty quickly,” Trump said.
According to a photograph of the note, it read: “We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first.”
Trump reportedly asked to approve Truth Social post about Middle East deal during meeting
Wednesday 8 October 2025 22:28 , Bryony GoochUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio handed a note to President Donald Trump during an unrelated meeting at the White House on Wednesday requesting Trump to give his OK to a social post related to a Middle East deal, the Associated Press reported.
“You need to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first," read the hand-scrawled note on White House stationery, according to the AP.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
‘Glimmer of hope’: Families in Gaza and Israel hold breath over Trump’s peace plan to end bloodshed
Wednesday 8 October 2025 22:00 , Maira ButtCivilians in Gaza and families of hostages in Israel said they were holding onto “a glimmer of hope” for a peace plan, as Israel continued to pound the Strip despite Donald Trump urging for an immediate ceasefire.
Bel Trew and Nedal Hamdouna report:
Families in Gaza hold breath over Trump’s peace plan to end bloodshed
Trump suggests 'peace for the Middle East' by end of the week
Wednesday 8 October 2025 20:58 , Bryony GoochPresident Donald Trump has given an update about the potential peace deal between Israel and Hamas.
"I was just dealing with people from the Middle East, our people and other people on the potential peace deal for the Middle East, peace for the Middle East sometime toward the end of the week, phrase, and we hope it's going to come true, but it's very close, and they're doing very well.
“We have a great team over there, great negotiators, and they're, unfortunately, great negotiators on the other side also, but it's something I think that will happen. Got a good chance of happening. I may go there sometime toward the end of the week, maybe on Sunday, actually, and we'll see."
"But there's a very good chance negotiations are going along very well. We're dealing with Hamas and many of the countries, as you know, we have Muslim all of the Muslim countries are included. All of the Arab countries are included, very rich countries, and some that are not so rich, but just about everybody is included.
“It's never happened before. Nothing like that's happened before. In our final negotiation, as you know, is with Hamas. Hamas, and it seems to be going well. So, we'll let you know if that's the case, we'll be leaving, probably, on Sunday, maybe Saturday, maybe a little, a little later than Saturday evening, but that seems to be our schedule."
Meloni says she was reported to ICC for alleged complicity in genocide
Wednesday 8 October 2025 20:01 , Maira ButtItalian prime minister Giorgia Meloni has revealed that she has been reported to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged complicity in genocide in connection with Israel's offensive in Gaza.
Two of Ms Meloni’s ministers have also been reported to the ICC, she revealed on Tuesday.
Speaking with state television broadcaster RAI, Ms Meloni said defence minister Guido Crosetto and foreign minister Antonio Tajani had been denounced, and "I think" also Roberto Cingolani, the head of defence group Leonardo.
"I don't believe there is another case like this in the world or in history," Ms Meloni said.
Negotiations focused on three issues
Wednesday 8 October 2025 19:30 , Sam RkainaHamas says the indirect negotiations are focused so far on just three issues.
These include halting the conflict, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza and the swap deal.
The group has so far refused to discuss one of the biggest sticking points: Israel's demand that Hamas give up its weapons, which the Palestinian source said Hamas would reject as long as Israeli troops occupy Palestinian land.
Hamas seeks release of highest profile prisoners held in Israel
Wednesday 8 October 2025 19:00 , Sam RkainaHamas, the militant group that precipitated the war by attacking Israeli territory two years ago, said it had handed over its lists of hostages and Palestinian prisoners to be exchanged in a swap, and was optimistic about the talks so far.
The list of Palestinians Hamas wants freed is expected to include some of the most prominent prisoners ever jailed by Israel, whose release had been off limits in previous ceasefires.
According to a Palestinian source close to the talks, the list includes Marwan al-Barghouti, a leader of the Fatah movement, and Ahmed Saadat, head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
Both are serving multiple life sentences for attacks that killed Israelis.
Israel dials down attacks - but completely
Wednesday 8 October 2025 18:30 , Sam RkainaWithin Gaza, Israel has dialled down its military campaign at Trump's behest, though it has not halted strikes altogether.
Gaza medical authorities reported eight people killed in Israeli strikes in the last 24 hours, the lowest toll for weeks.
Daily death tolls had been around 10 times as high over the past month as Israeli forces pressed one of their biggest campaigns of the war, dynamiting neighbourhoods as they advance in an all-out assault on Gaza City.
“We hope from God that a ceasefire would take place as soon as possible, because people can't bear the suffering anymore,” said Jehad al-Shagnobi, whose house was destroyed in the Sabra district of Gaza City.
“The suffering is great, people can't breathe anymore. We hope from God that the negotiations take place today and are successful.”
Witkoff and Kushner arrive in Sharm el-Sheikh
Wednesday 8 October 2025 18:00 , Maira ButtDonald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to participate in the ongoing ceasefire and hostage-deal negotiations on Wednesday.
They will be joined by Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the Red Sea resort to negotiate the plan proposed by Mr Trump last week that aims to bring about an end to Israel's two-year-long war in Gaza.
They will also be joined by Hamas’s chief negotiator, Khalil Al-Khayya.
Talks making 'a lot of headway' Turkey says
Wednesday 8 October 2025 17:30 , Sam RkainaTurkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Wednesday that negotiations to stop the war in Gaza had made “a lot of headway”.
Fidan added that a ceasefire would be declared if they reached a positive outcome.
The minister added that the talks in Egypt, in which Ankara is taking part, are focused on securing a ceasefire, exchanging hostages and prisoners, allowing more aid and coordinating a timetable for a withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Qatar demands 'written international guarantees' from Israel
Wednesday 8 October 2025 17:00 , Maira ButtQatar has demanded “strong, written international guarantees” to ensure Israel carries out its obligations under the proposed ceasefire agreement to end Israel's two-year-long offensive in Gaza.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari told Al-Arabiya that Qatar wants to ensure that what is currently being negotiated in Egypt will lead to Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, the entry of more aid, and a permanent end to the war.
He said that the parties have agreed on 20 principles but "the devil is in the details, as they say in English".
Mr Ansari told reporters, "I have no doubt that this round of negotiations is a process in which all parties are strongly committed to reaching a consensus, but there are many details to consider."
The statement comes ahead of Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Thani's visit to Egypt today, where he will join the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Who is the Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar? The leader whose body Hamas has requested in its peace talks with Israel
Wednesday 8 October 2025 15:35 , Maira Butt
Who is Yahya Sinwar? The October 7 attack mastermind killed by Israel
Hamas demands body of leader Yahya Sinwar in hostage exchange deal
Wednesday 8 October 2025 15:05 , Maira ButtIsrael and Hamas have exchanged a list of prisoners and hostages they want released.
On Hamas’ list is the body of its former leaders, Yahya and Mohammed Sinwar, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Israel has traditionally resisted the demand to return the bodies of senior Hamas leaders.
Discussions continue in Egypt with the body of one hostage released in exchange for the bodies of 15 Palestinians, according to reports.
Babies forced to share oxygen masks as Israel denies transfer of incubators, says UNICEF
Wednesday 8 October 2025 14:45 , Maira ButtIsrael is denying permission to transfer incubators from an evacuated hospital in northern Gaza, adding strain to overcrowded hospitals in the south of the Strip where babies are sharing oxygen masks, the UN Children’s Agency, UNICEF, said on Thursday, as per Reuters.
Israel has denied the claim and said it has allowed the transfer of medical equipment from the north to the south.
The World Health Organisation estimates that one fifth of all Gaza newborns are now premature or underweight due to stress and malnourishment of pregnant mothers.
"We've been trying to recover incubators from a hospital that was evacuated in the north, and we've had four missions denied simply to get those incubators," James Elders, UNICEF spokesperson told Reuters.
COGAT, the arm of the Israeli military overseeing aid, said that the UN’s data was categorically wrong.
“The transfer of medical equipment from hospitals in the north to those in the south is being facilitated in accordance with hospital requests,” it said.
US Secretary of State to attend Paris meeting on Gaza transition, say sources
Wednesday 8 October 2025 13:45 , Maira ButtMarco Rubio, US Secretary of State, is expected to attend a meeting on Thursday between European, Arab and other states to discuss a post-Gaza transition, sources told Reuters on Wednesday.
It will take place parallel to negotiations between Israel, Hamas, the US and Qatar that are taking place in Egypt this week.
Trump asked Turkey to persuade Hamas, says Erdogan
Wednesday 8 October 2025 13:15 , Maira ButtTurkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said that US President Donald Trump asked him to help persuade Hamas to accept his 20-point plan.
“Peace is not a bird with a single wing,” he said.
“Putting the entire burden of peace on Hamas and Palestinians is not a fair, correct or realistic approach.”
In pictures: Israel continues to bomb Gaza as eight killed in military strikes
Wednesday 8 October 2025 12:51 , Maira ButtAt least one person was killed near a food distribution site in southern Gaza. At least eight people have been killed in Israeli attacks, with 61 others injured in the last 24 hours, as talks continue in Egypt.
Read Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan in full
Wednesday 8 October 2025 12:46 , Maira Butt
Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan in full, including ‘Board of Peace’ and Tony Blair’s role
The critical difference that means peace is closer than ever in Israel-Hamas talks
Wednesday 8 October 2025 12:17 , Maira ButtTwo years into one of the bloodiest conflicts of our time, negotiators representing Israel and Hamas sat down for a second day of indirect peace talks in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Both sides are scrutinising a 20-point peace plan proposed by US president Donald Trump, as they take part in talks that senior officials briefed on the discussions told The Independent are “the closest we’ve ever been” to the end of the war.
The deal – originally 21 points long – was first presented to leaders from Arab and Muslim-majority countries in New York last month. It was changed at the 11th hour, which initially caused confusion and concern in some quarters that the process might collapse before it had started.
Bel Trew reports:
This critical difference puts Israel-Hamas peace closer than ever
Israel's Ben-Gvir calls for 'Gaza victory' at Al-Aqsa mosque
Wednesday 8 October 2025 11:27 , Maira ButtFar-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday to make a speech about “victory” over Gaza.
The site is one of the most sensitive and contentious in the region and is a holy site for both Muslims and Jewish people.
Ben-Gvir declared that Israel was “winning” and urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue “complete victory” over Hamas.
“Every house in Gaza has a picture of the Temple Mount, and today, two years later, we are winning on the Temple Mount. We are the owners of the Temple Mount,” he said in a video released by his Jewish Power Party.
“I only pray that our prime minister will allow a complete victory in Gaza as well – to destroy Hamas, with God's help we will return the hostages, and we will win a complete victory.”
