What we covered here
• Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire framework that will allow for the swift release of all hostages held in Gaza, Israeli withdrawal to an agreed point and the release of some Palestinian prisoners.
• President Donald Trump said the hostages are likely to be released on Monday. His announcement of the agreement did not address some sticking points in the proposal, including Hamas disarmament and the future governance of Gaza.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement was a “diplomatic success and a national and moral victory” for his country. Hamas thanked Trump and all mediators involved: Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
• Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and hostages previously released by Hamas celebrated the news. Palestinians in Gaza celebrated the agreement, cautiously hoping it will bring an end to Israel’s war.
Our live coverage of the Israel-Hamas war has moved here.
Trump can’t “simply take a victory lap now,” expert tells CNN
“There’s a lot that remains very much unknown” about the Gaza ceasefire plan, Max Boot, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, told CNN’s Laura Coates.
Still, US President Donald Trump and his team deserve “a lot of credit,” Boot said. However, he added: “I think it’s important that President Trump not simply take a victory lap now and say everything is solved, peace has been achieved.”
Previous deals between Israel and Hamas have broken down over disagreements about Gaza’s future, Boot noted.
“Things could easily go off the rails, unless the US stays very closely engaged.”
Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East negotiator at the State Department, told Coates this is “not the forever peace plan that Trump has described this as, and it is not Netanyahu’s version of total victory. It comes out in the middle.”
“The sun, the moon and the stars came together," former Middle East negotiator says
“The sun, the moon and the stars came together” to facilitate the Israel-Hamas ceasefire plan, said Aaron David Miller, who served as a Middle East negotiator at the US State Department for more than two decades.
“The people running the show, the internal brigade commanders, are not attached, clearly, to the hostages in the (same way as) Yahya Sinwar,” he said, referring to Hamas’ former leader who was killed by Israel in October 2024.
Secondly, the Arab states banded together to push Hamas to agree to release its Israeli hostages, Miller said.
Finally, the third piece of the puzzle was US President Donald Trump, Miller said.
“Trump’s pressure on Netanyahu is why, in the end, we’re having this conversation.”
Moving forward, the success of the agreement will hinge on Trump’s determination to see it through, Miller said.
“That’s going to be a critical ingredient as to whether or not we get to phase two.”
US lawmakers express optimism about Gaza ceasefire agreement
Top lawmakers on the are weighing in on the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan in Gaza.
Here’s what some lawmakers said:
- Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer celebrated the agreement but said it must be “carefully implemented and followed through on.” Schumer said in a statement: “This brings a huge sigh of relief to the hostage families, to all of Israel, and to Palestinians who have suffered for so long in this horrific humanitarian catastrophe.”
- Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, who has been a staunch defender of Israel, told reporters, “I mean, that’s, that’s profound, if that happens, absolutely. Two years’ war, I mean, that’s just, this is the first opportunity there could be enduring peace in the region.”
- Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal told reporters that he is “very hopeful,” and wants to see more details. “I’m always hoping for a ceasefire that will return the hostages and provide more humanitarian aid, as well as a path toward peace.”
- Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker praised President Donald Trump, saying on X that “the people in the region may finally have hope for a lasting peace.”
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised the president, saying on on X that he was optimistic about the deal, yet “skeptical of Hamas’s motivations.”
- Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said on X he is “beyond thankful and grateful that it appears the hostages will be released, and a ceasefire will take effect in Gaza.” But, he said, it is “imperative that Hamas completely disarms” and is “written out of the future of any Palestinian government.” “Anything short of this will only get us back to the old ways.”
Here’s what some on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said:
- The committee’s chairman, James Risch, a Republican, said that Trump’s announcement was “good news,” though he added: “I haven’t seen (the announcement) yet.” Asked if he’s spoken to the president, Risch replied, “not in the last couple of hours.”
- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told CNN: “I think that’s very good news. We’ll see what the deadlines are to release the hostages, what comes next, but I think it’s real positive progress.”
- Sen. Chris Coons, another senior Democrat, called the agreement “encouraging.” He also added, “I hope that it holds. This war has gone on for far too long. There are too many families still waiting to either welcome home hostages being held by Hamas or to receive the remains of those they’ve lost.”
Gaza residents herald agreement after “two years of killing and genocide”
Palestinians in Gaza celebrated the agreement between Hamas and Israel, cautiously hoping it would bring an end to Israel’s brutal assault on the besieged enclave.
Another Khan Younis resident, Wael Radwan, credited US President Donald Trump with the agreement – and thanked “anyone who contributed even if verbally to stop the war and to stop the bloodshed.”
Resident Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo said “all of the Gaza Strip is happy” about the announcement. “All the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed,” he said, according to Reuters.
Crowds gathered near Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis to celebrate in the predawn darkness, clapping and cheering.
Remember: More than 67,000 people – most of them women and children – have been killed in Gaza since the war began, the Palestinian health ministry said on Wednesday, with an additional 169,841 people injured.
The true death toll is believed to be much higher, with many thousands believed to still be trapped under rubble, according to the ministry, the United Nations and multiple humanitarian organizations.
In September, an independent UN inquiry concluded for the first time that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a finding that echoes those of other genocide experts and human rights groups – but which the Israeli government has firmly rejected.
What’s next after Hamas and Israel reach a deal?
Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a ceasefire framework that will allow for the swift release of all hostages.
CNN’s Jeremy Diamond breaks down what’s next:
Crowds gather in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to celebrate Gaza ceasefire agreement
About 200 people gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to celebrate the agreement of a ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas that will allow for the release of all the captives held in Gaza.
Former hostages who were held by Hamas and released as part of earlier ceasefire agreements have joined the crowds, including Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, Eliya Cohen and Romi Gonen.
Each time a former hostage arrived at the square, the crowd cheered. People said they wanted to come to the square to raise glasses and rejoice together.
The families of some of the hostages still held by Hamas were also on the scene, including Menashe Harrush, uncle of hostage Elkana Bohbot; and Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker.
People hugged the families, amid a mood of excitement. Some broke into song, and one person waved an American flag.
Gali Landes said she had just got off an international flight from Germany when she learned the news of the announcement.
“It’s the first time in the past two years that I’m landing in Israel and hearing something good,” Landes said, adding that she traveled straight to the square with her suitcase.
Israeli military tells forces to be “ready for any scenario,” and warns Palestinians about returning to Gaza City
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) welcomed the agreement but said Thursday morning it had instructed its soldiers to “be ready for any scenario.”
The military’s chief of staff, Gen. Eyal Zamir, directed the forces to “prepare strong defenses and be ready for any scenario,” as well as to be ready “to lead the operation for the hostages’ return,” the statement said.
“The IDF will continue to act to achieve the objectives of the war and to defend the citizens of the State of Israel on all fronts.”
The military’s Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adrae warned Palestinians not to return north or approach areas where IDF forces are stationed, including in the south and east of the strip, until official instructions are issued.
It’s still the early hours of the morning in Gaza, and journalists in the enclave told CNN that bombardments are continuing, especially in Gaza City – where Israel launched a ground offensive last month.
Gaza City residents in the last few days have described ongoing attacks, despite US President Donald Trump urging Israel to “immediately” stop its bombardment last week.
Gaza residents sing and clap with joy in Khan Younis — but many in Gaza may not know there is an agreement
There were joyous scenes on the streets of Khan Younis as Gaza residents celebrated the agreement between Hamas and Israel on the first phase of a ceasefire plan.
A small crowd can be seen singing, dancing and cheering in video obtained by news agency Reuters. Children are seen in the crowd clapping along. At one point, music begins blaring out of a speaker.
It’s still the early hours of the morning in Gaza and there is little internet connection in the besieged strip, so many people there may not be aware of the agreement, journalists in Gaza told CNN.
They added that bombardments are continuing, especially in Gaza City – where Israel launched a ground offensive last month – another reason most people may be staying home for now.
Gaza City resident Mohammad al-Jarou told CNN he saw warplanes flying at low altitudes on Wednesday, and that airstrikes and explosions took place throughout Tuesday and into the night.
Israeli hostage families and released hostages celebrate news of ceasefire agreement
The families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, and hostages who had been previously released, celebrated the news of the agreement reached between Hamas and Israel.
Some hostage families and former hostages in Washington, DC spoke with US President Donald Trump on the phone to thank him.
In a video released by hostage families, a small crowd can be seen saying “Thank you” as they gathered around the phone, held by Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “You did it!”
Trump can be heard replying:
Many also took to social media to celebrate. “I can’t believe it,” said released hostage Ohad Ben Ami in a video on Instagram.
Omer Shem Tov and Eliya Cohen, two other former hostages who were released early this year, posted a photo on Instagram of them kissing a small Trump figurine.
Liran Berman, whose twin brothers Gali and Ziv are still being held in Gaza after being abducted from Kfar Aza kibbutz in southern Israel, posted on X:
The twins were last seen alive by witnesses in February, when the last hostage release was held during a fragile ceasefire that later fell apart. Speaking to CNN in June, Berman said he believed Gali and Ziv had been separated in the tunnels where they were being kept.
Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, an Israel Defense Forces soldier whose body is held by Hamas, thanked Trump and other members of the US negotiating team.
Itay Chen is a dual US citizen.
Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, also expressed joy over her son’s anticipated return. “These are the tears I prayed for,” she said.
Trump says tariffs help him make peace deals
US President Donald Trump said tariffs were an important part of his ability to make peace deals, insisting that the United States is “not going to deal with people that fight.”
Trump went on to say that his tariffs played a role in getting India and Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire earlier this year.
"Other countries in the area" will help reconstruct Gaza, Trump says
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday night that “other countries” in the Middle East will help reconstruct Gaza, but did not offer further details on which countries that may include.
Earlier: CNN reported that the United Nations “will support the full implementation of” the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, according to UN Secretary General António Guterres.
The UN “will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza,” Guterres said.
Trump says hostages likely to be released Monday
President Donald Trump said that as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal that Israel and Hamas have agreed to, hostages will likely be released Monday.
The president also announced that the administration is “forming a council of peace” to maintain a lasting end to the conflict in the region. The 20-point plan he had previously released called for a “Board of Peace” that would oversee a “technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee” in charge of the daily governance of Gaza. That proposal said the board would be led by Trump himself.
In announcing the deal on Truth Social, Trump did not mention future Gaza governance issues.
“It’s going to be very powerful and it’s going to really, I think, to a large extent it’s going to have a lot to do with the, the whole Gaza situation,” Trump said. “People are going to be taken care of. It’s going to be a different world.”
Trump also applauded Middle Eastern countries for coming together to make this deal possible.
“The Middle East came together. Amazingly they came together,” the president said.
Trump confirms he spoke to Netanyahu Wednesday
US President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he spoke to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following his announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a ceasefire framework.
“I spoke to Bibi Netanyahu just a little while ago. He called. He said, ‘I can’t believe it.’ He said, ‘Everybody’s liking me now,’ meaning him. I said that, more importantly, they’re loving Israel again. And they really are,” the president told Fox News in a telephone interview on Wednesday night.
The president also appeared to suggest that Iran will be “a part” of the peace situation the United States is helping negotiate.
“We’re going to have peace. And by the way, I believe Iran is going to be actually a part of the whole peace situation,” the president said.
Israel and Iran fought in a twelve day conflict earlier this year that ended in a ceasefire that was announced by Trump.
Who are the hostages still in Gaza?
Hamas and its allies still hold 48 hostages in Gaza. The Israeli government believes at least 20 of them are alive, while 26 are deceased.
All but one of the remaining hostages were taken on October 7, 2023, during the Hamas-led attack on Israel. The other is Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier Hadar Goldin, who was killed in 2014 and whose body has been held in Gaza since then.
Most of the hostages are Israeli citizens. Five are foreign nationals (three from Thailand, one from Tanzania, one from Nepal). Two of those believed to be deceased are dual US-Israeli citizens.
In total, 251 people were taken from Israel on October 7, adding to the four hostages who were already being held captive in Gaza.
Since the start of the war, 148 hostages have returned alive to Israel. Most of them were released by Hamas during temporary ceasefires, while eight were rescued by the Israeli military. Fifty-nine bodies have been returned to Israel, including of three hostages who escaped and were mistakenly killed by the IDF.
The first phase of the agreement between Israel and Hamas allows for the swift release of the remaining hostages.
However, three Israeli sources told CNN on Wednesday that Hamas may not know the location of, or be unable to retrieve, the remains of some of the 28 remaining deceased hostages.
Hamas says it has handed over lists of Palestinian prisoners for release
Hamas said that it has provided lists of Palestinian prisoners to be released as part of the Gaza ceasefire plan agreement.
Hamas “affirms that it has handed over lists of Palestinian prisoners in accordance with the criteria agreed as part of the arrangement,” senior official Zaher Jabarin said in a statement Thursday morning local time.
A final agreement on names was “pending,” Jabarin said.
Earlier, another Hamas official, Taher Al Nunu, said Hamas and Israel had already exchanged a list of hostages and prisoners to be released.
Meanwhile, the Hamas-controlled Government Media Office in Gaza (GMO) warned Palestinians to “exercise the utmost caution in their movements and travel” following the announcement of the agreement.
The GMO warned Palestinians “not to let down their guard until an official, clear, and confirmed announcement is issued by the competent Palestinian authorities.”
“This is to guard against any violations, acts of treachery, or targeted actions that the Israeli occupation might carry out at the zero hour,” the office said.
UN "will support the full implementation" of Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, secretary general says
The United Nations “will support the full implementation of” the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, UN Secretary General António Guterres said in a statement Wednesday evening.
The UN “will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and we will advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza,” Guterres said.
Guterres commended “the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough.”
Gaza has “long, hard road” ahead despite “great news” of ceasefire agreement, CNN analyst says
While the news of an agreed-upon ceasefire framework between Israel and Hamas is “great news,” there is still “a long, hard road” ahead for Gaza, according to CNN global affairs analyst Brett McGurk.
McGurk, a former Middle East and North Africa coordinator for the US National Security Council, told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that the common consensus in the Middle East right now is that Gaza needs a new beginning after years at war.
“And that means reconstruction. It’s going to take years and years and years,” he said.
McGurk also noted that the future will be “extremely difficult” as Hamas tries “to cling to power.” In order to maintain peace in the region, he said, the United States will “have to stay engaged here over the coming year and years.”
But despite the “long, long road ahead,” McGurk noted that the deal marks a “momentous day,” and applauded those who played a role in making it happen.
“There’s not much good news in the world. This is great news. I am trying to hold it together honestly,” he said.
Trump says he is likely going to Israel in the coming days
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday night that he is likely going to visit Israel in the coming days following his announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a ceasefire framework.
Earlier: Trump said that he may travel to the Middle East on Sunday. He did not say which country he might visit.
Netanyahu also said he had invited Trump to him to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.
Israeli leaders and political figures celebrate news of the agreement
Israel’s key political figures and leaders are reacting to the news of an agreement with Hamas, which will bring the release of hostages held in Gaza for the last two years.
Here’s what we’re hearing:
President Isaac Herzog: “At this moment the heart of Israel beats as one with the hostages and their families. As the prophet Jeremiah wrote: ‘They shall return from the land of the enemy… and children shall return to their borders,’” he wrote on X.
Defense Minister Israel Katz: Calling the agreement “a huge blessing,” Katz thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump for “the leadership that led to the agreement,” as well thanking the “heroic” Israel Defense Forces soldiers.
“I extend a big hug to the families of the hostages for the expected return home of their loved ones, including IDF soldiers and fallen soldiers,” Katz wrote in an X post, adding the entire nation is “looking forward to it and is excited.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid: “We are waiting for our children with bated breath,” he wrote in a post. “Thank you @POTUS Trump!”
Benny Gantz, former defense minister: “Congratulations on the plan to return all our abductees. Our hearts are with the 48 families in hope and prayer for the return of all of them – the living to the bosom of their loved ones, and the fallen to a proper burial in the land of Israel. And the sons returned to their borders,” he wrote on X.
