After two years of relentless war and destruction, a rare moment of hope has emerged in Gaza.
Displaced Palestinians awoke on Thursday, October 9, 2025, to news that Israel and Hamas had reached a long-awaited ceasefire, a move many see as the first real step toward ending one of the region’s deadliest conflicts.
The deal, set to be signed in Egypt later in the day, marks the first stage of a 20-point peace plan unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump.
It includes a prisoner-for-hostage exchange and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israel has begun preparations to withdraw troops under the truce terms.
“When I heard the news, I couldn’t hold back,” said displaced resident Samer Joudeh.
“Tears of joy flowed. Two years of bombing, terror, and loss, now, we finally feel a moment of peace.”
Under the agreement, Hamas will release 20 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences.
The exchange is expected within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to bring home the hostages “with God’s help,” while Trump hinted he might travel to the region for the signing.
Qatar, which brokered the negotiations in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh resort, called the accord “the first phase of a ceasefire leading to peace, the release of hostages, and the entry of aid.”
Though the truce offers cautious optimism, it comes after immense loss, over 67,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis dead. For many, it represents not just a pause in violence but a fragile chance at renewal.
