Historic Breakthrough After Two Years of Conflict
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement that could potentially end the devastating two-year conflict that has claimed over 68,000 Palestinian and 1,200 Israeli lives. The deal, announced on October 9, 2025, comes after intense international pressure from the United States and key Arab nations including Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
'My phone is red hot,' says Professor of Jewish Studies Bart Wallet. 'Generally, there is relief and the idea that this could be a turning point to end these two years of misery.'
International Pressure Proves Decisive
The agreement marks a significant departure from previous failed ceasefire attempts, with experts pointing to unprecedented unified pressure from both Western and Arab nations. According to Peter Malcontent, lecturer in International Relations at Utrecht University, 'The pressure was very important, not only from the White House but also from Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar. Hamas is sensitive to that.'
The deal was brokered by President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, working alongside mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. The unified approach from Arab states proved crucial in convincing both parties to come to the negotiating table.
Phase One Details and Implementation
The first phase of the agreement involves Hamas releasing all remaining 20 Israeli hostages believed to be alive in Gaza, along with recoverable bodies, in exchange for Israel freeing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Israeli forces will begin withdrawing from Gaza, and humanitarian aid will be allowed to flow more freely into the devastated territory.
Peter Wijninga, defense specialist at The Hague Center for Strategic Studies, expressed surprise at the speed of the agreement. 'I hadn't expected it yet. But it was clear that it had to end this time. After two years, everyone had enough of it. The Americans too, they told Israel and Hamas; it's now or never.'
Remaining Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the breakthrough, significant obstacles remain. The most contentious issues include Hamas's disarmament, the composition of an international oversight board, and governance arrangements for Gaza. These topics will be addressed in subsequent phases of negotiations.
Malcontent remains optimistic about the prospects for continued progress. 'If the hostages are released, Israel withdraws and humanitarian aid resumes, if Hamas then refuses to surrender weapons, it will become very difficult for the Americans to convince Israel not to resume the fight.'
The agreement represents the most significant diplomatic achievement in the conflict since it began with Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. While immediate relief is palpable in both territories, experts caution that lasting peace will require addressing fundamental political issues that have remained unresolved for decades.
For more detailed coverage of the ceasefire agreement, visit The Conversation and CNN's live coverage.