Gaza Finally Breathes Again… Ceasefire Announcement Moment by Moment
After two exhausting years marked by siege, destruction, and rubble, the newly announced ceasefire agreement offers Gaza a long-awaited breath of relief — a pause that restores meaning to life itself.
Last night, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled the main outlines of what he called the most significant breakthrough in months in the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, now entering its second year. Israel and Hamas agreed to the “first phase” of his plan to halt the fighting and release at least some prisoners and hostages.
Trump wrote on social media: “This means that all captives will be released very soon, and Israeli forces will withdraw to an agreed-upon line — the first steps toward a strong, fair, and lasting peace. All parties will be treated with justice.”
Under this plan, Hamas will release the twenty living captives in the coming days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while the Israeli army begins to withdraw from most parts of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on social media: “With God’s help, we will bring them all home.”
Hamas, in a separate statement, confirmed that the agreement guarantees the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the exchange of prisoners and hostages.
Still, uncertainty remains over the exact timeline of implementation, as Israeli strikes were reported even after the ceasefire announcement.
The agreement follows two years of devastating conflict, marked by decisive turning points from the initial spark to this long-awaited truce, mediated primarily by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
A clear majority within Netanyahu’s government is expected to approve Trump’s plan, while some Israeli forces have reportedly begun withdrawing from Gaza City even before the official ratification.
In Gaza, tears and ululations fill the air as residents celebrate amid ruins and grief, hopeful that this truce will mark the true end of war.
International reactions have poured in, welcoming the deal as a “historic turning point” and urging all parties to fully honor their commitments. President Trump announced that the United States would actively participate in maintaining peace and rebuilding Gaza.
The White House commented briefly with a photo and two words: “Historic Peace.”
Inside Israel, reactions are mixed — official and public approval tempered by quiet skepticism among political factions awaiting tangible guarantees.
Following the agreement, Netanyahu invited Trump to address the Knesset, symbolizing a new chapter in U.S.-Israeli relations.
Mediators confirmed that Israel and Hamas have agreed on a detailed mechanism for implementing the first phase of the plan, and Trump has announced that both sides have officially signed the initial agreement.
Before traveling to the Middle East, President Trump is scheduled for a medical check-up on Friday, after which he will personally announce what he calls the “Gaza Peace Plan” — a “historic turning point for the region.”
