KABUL (Pajhwok): US President Donald Trump has announced that Hamas and Israel have agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal, according to Al Jazeera.

Qatar, a key mediator in the ceasefire negotiations, confirmed the development, stating that an agreement has been reached on“all the provisions and implementation mechanisms” of the first phase of the plan.

In a public statement, Hamas said it had concluded an agreement“stipulating an end to the war on Gaza, the withdrawal of occupation forces, the entry of humanitarian aid, and a prisoner exchange.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convene his government on Thursday to approve the Gaza ceasefire agreement, describing it as“a great day for Israel.”

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza based on the proposal put forward by President Trump.

He wrote on X:“I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt & Türkiye in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough. I urge all concerned to abide fully by the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released in a dignified manner.”

He added that a permanent ceasefire must be secured, stressing:“The fighting must stop once and for all. Immediate and unimpeded entry of humanitarian supplies and essential commercial materials into Gaza must be ensured. The suffering must end.”

Guterres said the UN would support the full implementation of the agreement, scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief, and advance recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Israel's war on Gaza has killed at least 67,183 people and wounded 169,841 since October 2023. Thousands more are believed to be buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings.

During the October 7, 2023, attacks, 1,139 people were killed in Israel and about 200 were taken captive.

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