US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Hamas and Israel have agreed to the first step of a ceasefire plan — a major breakthrough that many are celebrating with cautious optimism.

The first phase of the plan will include the release of all Israeli hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza to an agreed-upon line, and the release of some Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Trump also announced that a “council of peace” was being created to maintain a lasting end to conflict in the region.

Joy filled the streets of both Israel and Gaza early Thursday morning, with relief and cautious optimism for what could finally be an end to two years of bloodshed. Potential sticking points remain, including Hamas disarmament and the governance of Gaza.

Here are some of the stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye.

Models take part in a Chanel show during <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fstyle%2Fparis-fashion-week">Paris Fashion Week</a> on Monday, October 6.
Models take part in a Chanel show during Paris Fashion Week on Monday, October 6.
Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images
US President Donald Trump holds a handwritten note that was handed to him by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F08%2Fpolitics%2Fantifa-white-house-roundtable">roundtable discussion about Antifa</a> on Wednesday, October 8. Trump paused the meeting at the White House to <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F08%2Fworld%2Fvideo%2Ftrump-handed-gaza-note-during-roundtable-digvid">make an announcement</a>: “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.”
US President Donald Trump holds a handwritten note that was handed to him by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a roundtable discussion about Antifa on Wednesday, October 8. Trump paused the meeting at the White House to make an announcement: “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.”
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
A large fire burns at a Chevron oil refinery in El Segundo, California, on Friday, October 3. Fire crews were able to contain <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F03%2Fus%2Frefinery-fire-los-angeles-hnk">the blaze</a>. There were no injuries or immediate hazards to surrounding areas, El Segundo Fire Department Division Chief Casey Snow told CNN.
A large fire burns at a Chevron oil refinery in El Segundo, California, on Friday, October 3. Fire crews were able to contain the blaze. There were no injuries or immediate hazards to surrounding areas, El Segundo Fire Department Division Chief Casey Snow told CNN.
Apu Gomes/Getty Images
A protester receives assistance after being hit with tear gas during a standoff with federal agents in Chicago on Saturday, October 4. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F03%2Fus%2Fchicago-apartment-ice-raid">Federal agents have been deployed on the streets of Chicago in recent weeks</a>, arresting hundreds of undocumented immigrants during what the Trump administration is calling Operation Midway Blitz, according to a <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dhs.gov%2Fnews%2F2025%2F10%2F01%2Fdhs-arrests-more-800-illegal-aliens-including-worst-worst-criminals-operation" target="_blank">news release</a> from the Department of Homeland Security.
A protester receives assistance after being hit with tear gas during a standoff with federal agents in Chicago on Saturday, October 4. Federal agents have been deployed on the streets of Chicago in recent weeks, arresting hundreds of undocumented immigrants during what the Trump administration is calling Operation Midway Blitz, according to a news release from the Department of Homeland Security.
Jim Vondruska/Reuters
The Milwaukee Brewers’ Aaron Ashby delivers a pitch during a home playoff game at American Family Field on Saturday, October 4. The Brewers were facing the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.
The Milwaukee Brewers’ Aaron Ashby delivers a pitch during a home playoff game at American Family Field on Saturday, October 4. The Brewers were facing the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.
Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Singer Taylor Swift and talk-show host Jimmy Fallon listen to <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F07%2Fentertainment%2Ftaylor-swift-life-of-a-showgirl-reception">Swift’s new album</a>, “Life of a Showgirl,” during a “Tonight Show” episode that aired on Monday, October 6.
Singer Taylor Swift and talk-show host Jimmy Fallon listen to Swift’s new album, “Life of a Showgirl,” during a “Tonight Show” episode that aired on Monday, October 6.
Todd Owyoung/NBC/Getty Images
A woman cries during a funeral Saturday, October 4, for eight people who were killed in a drone strike last month in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. More than a dozen people — at least eight of them children — were killed in the attack, which targeted a suspected gang leader, <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fhaiti-drone-attack-cite-soleil-children-killed-339677efb2e5926b182f1934fafd6e5e" target="_blank">relatives and activists told The Associated Press last month</a>.
A woman cries during a funeral Saturday, October 4, for eight people who were killed in a drone strike last month in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. More than a dozen people — at least eight of them children — were killed in the attack, which targeted a suspected gang leader, relatives and activists told The Associated Press last month.
Clarens Siffroy/AFP/Getty Images
Wilma, a Bentheim pig with a heart-shaped spot, lies in the Hanover Zoo in Germany on Wednesday, October 8. Zookeepers call her “little heart.”
Wilma, a Bentheim pig with a heart-shaped spot, lies in the Hanover Zoo in Germany on Wednesday, October 8. Zookeepers call her “little heart.”
Julian Stratenschulte/dpa/picture alliance/Getty Images
Women wearing traditional Chinese costumes pose for photos as they visit the surroundings of the Forbidden City in Beijing on Monday, October 6. It was during the National Day Golden Week holiday.
Women wearing traditional Chinese costumes pose for photos as they visit the surroundings of the Forbidden City in Beijing on Monday, October 6. It was during the National Day Golden Week holiday.
Pedro Pardo/AFP/Getty Images
The Florida Panthers’ A.J. Greer punches the Chicago Blackhawks’ Nick Foligno during the NHL teams’ season opener in Sunrise, Florida, on Tuesday, October 7. Both players received a five-minute penalty for fighting.
The Florida Panthers’ A.J. Greer punches the Chicago Blackhawks’ Nick Foligno during the NHL teams’ season opener in Sunrise, Florida, on Tuesday, October 7. Both players received a five-minute penalty for fighting.
Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer walks back to his office following a news conference at the US Capitol on Friday, October 3. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F26%2Fpolitics%2Fgovernment-shutdown-september-2025-explained">The federal government shut down</a> on October 1 after failing to reach a funding deal.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer walks back to his office following a news conference at the US Capitol on Friday, October 3. The federal government shut down on October 1 after failing to reach a funding deal.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
People in Hostage Square, a public plaza in Tel Aviv, Israel, react following news of a Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal on Thursday, October 9.
People in Hostage Square, a public plaza in Tel Aviv, Israel, react following news of a Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal on Thursday, October 9.
Maya Levin/AFP/Getty Images
Sheep graze in Aru, India, on Sunday, October 5. Indian authorities have reopened 12 tourist destinations that were closed after an April terror attack in India-administered Kashmir.
Sheep graze in Aru, India, on Sunday, October 5. Indian authorities have reopened 12 tourist destinations that were closed after an April terror attack in India-administered Kashmir.
Yawar Nazir/Getty Images
US Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino poses for a photo at CNN’s Chicago bureau on Tuesday, October 7. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F08%2Fpolitics%2Fgregory-bovino-border-patrol-chicago-immigration">Bovino</a> has become the on-the-ground face of President Donald Trump’s effort to surge federal law enforcement into blue states and cities regardless of whether local officials want them there — first in Los Angeles, now in Chicago.
US Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino poses for a photo at CNN’s Chicago bureau on Tuesday, October 7. Bovino has become the on-the-ground face of President Donald Trump’s effort to surge federal law enforcement into blue states and cities regardless of whether local officials want them there — first in Los Angeles, now in Chicago.
Mustafa Hussain for CNN
A protester carries stones in front of burning barricades during a demonstration in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Tuesday, October 7. Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina said last month that he was dissolving the government following <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F29%2Fafrica%2Fmadagascar-gen-z-protests-intl">youth-led protests over water and power cuts</a>. At least 22 people have been killed in clashes, and more than 100 have been injured, according to the Reuters news agency.
A protester carries stones in front of burning barricades during a demonstration in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Tuesday, October 7. Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina said last month that he was dissolving the government following youth-led protests over water and power cuts. At least 22 people have been killed in clashes, and more than 100 have been injured, according to the Reuters news agency.
Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images
People gather in Mexico City’s Zocalo Square on Sunday, October 5, to attend an event marking Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F05%2Famericas%2Fclaudia-sheinbaum-popularity-analysis-intl-latam">first year in office</a>.
People gather in Mexico City’s Zocalo Square on Sunday, October 5, to attend an event marking Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's first year in office.
Henry Romero/Reuters
A makeup artist prepares a model backstage at a Thom Browne show during <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fstyle%2Fparis-fashion-week">Paris Fashion Week</a> on Monday, October 6.
A makeup artist prepares a model backstage at a Thom Browne show during Paris Fashion Week on Monday, October 6.
Cha Gonzalez for CNN
The Milwaukee Brewers' William Contreras crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Monday, October 6. The Brewers won to take a 2-0 series lead.
The Milwaukee Brewers' William Contreras crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Monday, October 6. The Brewers won to take a 2-0 series lead.
Morry Gash/AP
Sunrise pierces a stormy morning, illuminating aspen trees and bringing a splash of fall color to the Virginia Lakes area near Lee Vining, California, on Thursday, October 2.
Sunrise pierces a stormy morning, illuminating aspen trees and bringing a splash of fall color to the Virginia Lakes area near Lee Vining, California, on Thursday, October 2.
David McNew/Getty Images
Authorities in Los Angeles hold a news conference on Wednesday, October 8, to <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F08%2Fus%2Fpalisades-fire-arrest-california">announce the arrest of a man</a> who they suspect started the devastating Palisades Fire earlier this year. On the monitor are AI-generated images of a burning forest that the suspect allegedly prompted.
Authorities in Los Angeles hold a news conference on Wednesday, October 8, to announce the arrest of a man who they suspect started the devastating Palisades Fire earlier this year. On the monitor are AI-generated images of a burning forest that the suspect allegedly prompted.
Daniel Cole/Reuters
Women bake bread in a clay oven, using plastic for fire, at a shelter for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Sunday, October 5.
Women bake bread in a clay oven, using plastic for fire, at a shelter for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Sunday, October 5.
Jehad Alshrafi/AP
The full moon is seen behind the Statue of Liberty in New York on Monday, October 6.
The full moon is seen behind the Statue of Liberty in New York on Monday, October 6.
Adam Gray/AP
People bring their dogs to St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, a Catholic church in Dublin, Ireland, for a blessing of the pets ceremony on Sunday, October 5. The ceremony commemorates the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.
People bring their dogs to St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, a Catholic church in Dublin, Ireland, for a blessing of the pets ceremony on Sunday, October 5. The ceremony commemorates the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.
Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters
A protester stands in the haze of a smoke grenade outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland, Oregon, on Saturday, October 4. A federal judge in Oregon granted a temporary restraining order <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F04%2Fus%2Fwhat-we-know-portland-chicago-national-guard-deployments">blocking the Trump administration from deploying the National Guard into Portland</a> after the president announced he would send in troops to protect what he calls a “war-ravaged” city. The president and his administration have cited weekslong demonstrations outside the Portland ICE facility, framing them as “violent riots” tied to “Antifa domestic terrorists.” Local officials dispute that characterization, claiming in the lawsuit that protests were small until Trump’s National Guard announcement brought renewed attention to them. The state has also called the president’s portrayal of the city “wildly hyperbolic.”
A protester stands in the haze of a smoke grenade outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland, Oregon, on Saturday, October 4. A federal judge in Oregon granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from deploying the National Guard into Portland after the president announced he would send in troops to protect what he calls a “war-ravaged” city. The president and his administration have cited weekslong demonstrations outside the Portland ICE facility, framing them as “violent riots” tied to “Antifa domestic terrorists.” Local officials dispute that characterization, claiming in the lawsuit that protests were small until Trump’s National Guard announcement brought renewed attention to them. The state has also called the president’s portrayal of the city “wildly hyperbolic.”
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Jerry Neuheisel, UCLA’s interim offensive coordinator, is lifted by players after their <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Farticles%2F25257125-no-7-psu-upset-nico-iamaleava-winless-ucla-fans-put-james-franklin-hot-seat" target="_blank">42-37 upset win over Penn State</a> on Saturday, October 4. It was Neuheisel’s first game calling plays for the Bruins, who came into the game 0-4 and fired head coach DeShaun Foster last month. It was the first time since 1985 than an 0-4 team had beaten a top-10 opponent.
Jerry Neuheisel, UCLA’s interim offensive coordinator, is lifted by players after their 42-37 upset win over Penn State on Saturday, October 4. It was Neuheisel’s first game calling plays for the Bruins, who came into the game 0-4 and fired head coach DeShaun Foster last month. It was the first time since 1985 than an 0-4 team had beaten a top-10 opponent.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Mary E. Brunkow gives an interview over the phone in Seattle after it was announced that she was one of the <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F06%2Fscience%2Fnobel-prize-medicine-brunkow-ramsdell-sakaguchi-immune-system-intl">three scientists who received the Nobel Price in physiology or medicine</a> on Monday, October 6. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi will share the prize for unraveling how the immune system protects us from thousands of different microbes trying to invade our bodies.
Mary E. Brunkow gives an interview over the phone in Seattle after it was announced that she was one of the three scientists who received the Nobel Price in physiology or medicine on Monday, October 6. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi will share the prize for unraveling how the immune system protects us from thousands of different microbes trying to invade our bodies.
Lindsey Wasson/AP
Sailors aboard the USS Harry S. Truman cheer as President Donald Trump speaks in Norfolk, Virginia, during a celebration for the 250th anniversary of the US Navy on Sunday, October 5.
Sailors aboard the USS Harry S. Truman cheer as President Donald Trump speaks in Norfolk, Virginia, during a celebration for the 250th anniversary of the US Navy on Sunday, October 5.
Alex Brandon/AP
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, center, meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai, India, on Thursday, October 9.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, center, meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai, India, on Thursday, October 9.
Stefan Rousseau/Reuters
New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner watches the ball get past him during a Major League Soccer game at Inter Miami on Saturday, October 4. Inter Miami won the match 4-1.
New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner watches the ball get past him during a Major League Soccer game at Inter Miami on Saturday, October 4. Inter Miami won the match 4-1.
Rebecca Blackwell/AP
US Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks before the Senate Judiciary Committee during an oversight hearing in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, October 7. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fpolitics%2Flive-news%2Fpam-bondi-hearing-senate-10-07-25">Bondi continuously deflected questions from Democrats on controversial issues</a>, including the Jeffery Epstein files, prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey and legal rationale for using the National Guard in US cities.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks before the Senate Judiciary Committee during an oversight hearing in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, October 7. Bondi continuously deflected questions from Democrats on controversial issues, including the Jeffery Epstein files, prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey and legal rationale for using the National Guard in US cities.
Allison Robbert/AP
Climate activist Greta Thunberg arrives at the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens, Greece, on Monday, October 6, after being deported from Israel for <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F01%2Fmiddleeast%2Fisrael-gaza-flotilla-explainer-scli-intl">taking part in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla</a>.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg arrives at the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens, Greece, on Monday, October 6, after being deported from Israel for taking part in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
Petros Giannakouris/AP
The Big Prawn is seen in Ballina, Australia, on Wednesday, October 8. The <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.discoverballina.com.au%2Fexplore%2Fattraction%2Fbig-prawn%2F" target="_blank">Ballina Prawn</a> is part of a collection of "Big Things" found across Australia.
The Big Prawn is seen in Ballina, Australia, on Wednesday, October 8. The Ballina Prawn is part of a collection of "Big Things" found across Australia.
James D. Morgan/Getty Images
South Korean table tennis player Joo Cheon-hui serves during a quarterfinal match at the China Smash tournament in Beijing on Friday, October 3.
South Korean table tennis player Joo Cheon-hui serves during a quarterfinal match at the China Smash tournament in Beijing on Friday, October 3.
Adek Berry/AFP/Getty Images
Outgoing French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu delivers a statement outside a hotel in Paris on Monday, October 6. Lecornu, a key ally of embattled French President Emmanuel Macron, <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F10%2F06%2Feurope%2Ffrance-prime-minister-sebastien-lecornu-resigns-intl">resigned Monday</a> just hours after he unveiled his new cabinet. The shock move plunged the country further into political crisis.
Outgoing French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu delivers a statement outside a hotel in Paris on Monday, October 6. Lecornu, a key ally of embattled French President Emmanuel Macron, resigned Monday just hours after he unveiled his new cabinet. The shock move plunged the country further into political crisis.
Stephane Mahe/AFP/Getty Images
Pedestrians are reflected in glass as they walk in the Ginza district of Tokyo on Wednesday, October 8. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F25%2Fworld%2Fgallery%2Fphotos-this-week-september-18-september-25">See last week in 38 photos</a>.
Pedestrians are reflected in glass as they walk in the Ginza district of Tokyo on Wednesday, October 8. See last week in 38 photos.
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images