Alice Cuddy
Reporting from Jerusalem

“It’s a miracle.”

This is a WhatsApp message I just received from mother of three Hanaa Almadhoun, who is currently displaced in southern Gaza.

She says she feels “relieved and optimistic” and hopes to be able to return to her home in the north.

In central Gaza, Rewaa Mohsen, who I have been in touch with throughout the war, tells me she is “so excited and happy” this morning.

But she says she wishes her mum and sister, who were killed early in the war, were with her for this moment.

“The most important thing is that we won’t lose anyone anymore,” she says.

As we've been reporting, the ceasefire and hostage deal mark a significant breakthrough that brings an end to the war in Gaza closer - but this is only the first phase of Trump’s plan.

Speaking to press in India, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he strongly welcomes the news of an agreement.

Reading out his earlier statement, Starmer calls it a moment of "profound relief", and says that the UK will support the "crucial and immediate steps" of the ceasefire.

He adds that he hopes it's a "sustainable path to a long-term peace".

The prime minister is speaking during a visit to Mumbai, alongside his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. He said the pair discussed the ceasefire plan.

Israel

• "It's a great day for Israel", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement
• He thanked Israeli troops and US President Donald Trump and his team "for their mobilization for this sacred mission of releasing our hostages" - referring to the Israelis currently held by Hamas in Gaza
• "With God's help we will bring them all home," he added

Trump

• The US president wrote in a statement on Truth Social last night that: "This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!"
• He later told Fox News that Gaza "will be rebuilt" after phase one of the deal is implemented - adding that it will "be a much safer place" afterwards

Hamas

• According to the BBC's US news partner CBS, Hamas said the agreement will "end the war on Gaza, ensure the complete withdrawal of the occupation forces, allow the entry of humanitarian aid, and implement a prisoner exchange"
• The people of Gaza "have demonstrated unmatched courage, honour, and heroism", it added
• "We will never abandon our people’s national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved", it said

Almost two hours into a White House event focused on domestic law enforcement on Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio entered the room and sat down.

Our reporter Bernd Debusmann Jr, who was in the room, says Rubio seemed fidgety. Rubio scrawled a note on a piece of paper, walked over and handed it to Trump - while whispering in his ear.

As reporters yelled questions in his direction, Trump said the note informed him that “we are very close to a deal”.

He exited the room just moments later, saying he had to go to focus on the Middle East.

Less than 10 minutes later, he posted on Truth Social, that both Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of the US peace plan.

It marks "the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace", he wrote.

Image source, Reuters

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says it "has begun operational preparations ahead of the implementation of the agreement".

"As part of this process, preparations and a combat protocol are underway to transition to adjusted deployment lines soon," it says.

As a reminder, if phase one of the deal is approved by the Israeli government later today, a ceasefire would immediately take effect, and Israeli troops would withdraw to an agreed upon line.

The deal that has been announced is “quite an extraordinary first step”, according to David Satterfield, former US Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues.

"But to have true peace, a lasting resolution in Gaza and a true end to conflict there, that’s going to take a lot more work," he tells the BBC.

It is the next phase that is more problematic and difficult Satterfield says, namely the disarmament of Hamas, the creation of a transitional administration to provide stabilisation in Gaza, and "then ultimately reconstruction".

"It's the Middle East, where disappointment always lurks behind every positive development," Satterfield says.

However, he adds, that without the initial steps agreed in phase one of the deal, "you never have a chance of getting to getting to those other issues".

As we've been reporting, on Wednesday night US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to phase one of a Gaza ceasefire deal.

This - Trump says - will see the release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed upon line.

Meanwhile Qatar's foreign ministry says some Palestinian prisoners held by Israel will be released, and humanitarian aid will be allowed to enter the Gaza Strip.

Here's how the next few days are expected to play out:

Thursday

The Israeli government convenes at 14:00 Jerusalem time (12:00 BST) to vote on the plan. If formally approved, the ceasefire will immediately go into effect, and Israeli troops will begin to withdraw to an agreed upon line.

Israel will allow 400 aid trucks to enter Gaza daily during the first five days, a senior Palestinian official has told the BBC.

Friday

A senior White House official speaking to the BBC's US partner, CBS News, says that it will likely take less than 24 hours for Israeli troops to finish withdrawing.

Once that is complete, the 72-hour clock begins for Hamas to release the hostages it holds in Gaza.

Monday

The US expects the release of hostages to begin on Monday, the White House official told CBS. But, they say, Hamas might try and move it earlier if possible.

A significant moment but no guarantee deal will end the warpublished at 06:36 BST 9 October 2025

06:36 BST 9 October 2025

Hugo Bachega
Middle East correspondent

The ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, announced after intense negotiations in Egypt, is a long-awaited breakthrough that brings them closer to ending the two-year-old war in Gaza.

But, despite the momentum, there is no guarantee that this will happen.

The main difference in these efforts has been the personal involvement of President Donald Trump, who has put pressure not only on Hamas but also on Israel for an agreement.

This is a major diplomatic victory for someone who wants to be seen as the man who ended the war – and, in the process, be rewarded for it.

What has been agreed is the first phase of a plan the president announced at the White House last week alongside the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been accused of sabotaging efforts for a deal in the past.

This time, Trump, reportedly impatient and irritated with Netanyahu, appears to have used the power only the Americans have to influence Israel, leaving the prime minister with no option other than engage with the process.

Threatened by Trump with “complete obliteration”, Hamas was under intense pressure too. Arab and Muslim countries embraced the president’s plan, and there was heavy involvement from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey in the negotiations.

This is, without a doubt, a significant moment but there is no guarantee that a peace deal for Gaza will happen, as crucial details still need to be worked out. They include the key Israeli demand that Hamas must disarm, the extent of the Israeli withdrawal and a plan for who will govern Gaza.

Alice Cuddy
Reporting from Jerusalem

I’ve just heard from Gil Dickman, whose cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later.

He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for a deal that brings the return of all those still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he tells me.

He says he feels “broken” that Carmel will not be among those returning home but is “glowing with joy for the families of the hostages who are finally coming back”.

Alice Cuddy
Reporting from Jerusalem

It’s early morning here in Jerusalem, and I’ve been starting to get reaction over messages from people in Gaza.

“I hope the coming days bring us happy news and that we and our loved ones live in safety,” Mousa, a doctor in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, tells me over WhatsApp.

“We have lost a lot during the two years of war. The Gaza Strip is destroyed. A difficult time still awaits us, but the important thing is we hope to be safe.”

In the south, pharmacist Suha Shaath said she was in disbelief.

“Until now, I don’t believe that this war could be ending and that I am still alive – we have survived this catastrophe,” she says.

As a reminder, Israel does not allow international journalists independent access to Gaza, so my communication with people there over the past two years has been over messages and phone calls.

Image source, Reuters

The UN's humanitarian chief has just posted on social media about the Gaza ceasefire deal.

"Great news. Let’s get the hostages out and surge aid in – fast," Tom Fletcher writes on X.

"Our teams are fully mobilised to get the trucks moving at scale and save lives."

He adds UN workers need "safe access" and it will provide regular updates on any developments.

For context: In late-August, famine was declared in Gaza with a report from the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification saying half a million people were starving in Gaza City. Israel has systematically obstructed food entering Gaza, aid agencies say. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denies starvation is taking place in Gaza.

Jiyar Gol
BBC Persian

Despite being one of Hamas’s strongest military and financial backers, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been side-lined in recent negotiations.

Iran went to war with Israel in defence of Hamas, yet countries like Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt played the leading roles in brokering the first stage of the ceasefire deal.

Tehran, usually vocal in rejecting any agreement involving Israel or the United States, appeared noticeably cautious this time. Iranian officials refrained from direct criticism of the peace efforts, instead emphasizing that Hamas had not surrendered. Iran’s narrative now frames the outcome as a “victory” for Hamas — despite its limited influence over the diplomatic process.

Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer has responded to the news, saying: "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."

"I hope and pray that all of the hostages are released, including the deceased hostages. Let me be clear: I will never give up until all of the hostages are home, including my constituents: Omer Neutra and Itay Chen. I've gotten to know their families well over the last two years, and I share their desperation to bring them home for proper burial and closure."

As we have been reporting, the full details of the first-phase ceasefire deal have not been disclosed officially. Here is what we know so far:

• A Palestinian source tells the BBC that the deal stipulates that 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained by Israeli forces since the war began will be released
• The source said Hamas has not received a list of Palestinian prisoners that Israel plans to release but this issue is expected to be resolved within hours
• A senior Palestinian official also tells the BBC that under the deal, Israel will allow 400 aid trucks to enter Gaza daily, with the number to increase gradually in later stages
• According to a White House official, Hamas will release the 20 living hostages during the first phase

• While it is a significant breakthrough, the first-phase deal is only the beginning, not the end. It’s a ceasefire, not a peace deal, writes our chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet
• Crucial details need to be discussed, writes our Middle East corrspondent Hugo Bachega

Here is what we know about how the coming days may unfold: A White House official said Israel's cabinet will hold a vote on the ceasefire plan on Thursday.

If Israel agrees then, it will have 24 hours to withdraw its troops.

That would kick off a 72-hour window during which Hamas may release the remaining hostages. The official said the US expects the release of the 20 hostages to begin on Monday, although Hamas may move to release them earlier. Trump said the hostages "will probably be released on Monday".

Trump suggested on Wednesday that he may travel to the Middle East as the deal is being finalised late this week. He said he expects to arrive right around the time that the hostages are being released.

Here is what you need to know about Israel and Hamas agreeing to the first phase of Trump's Gaza ceasefire plan:

• US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first first phase of a ceasefire deal for Gaza
• If formally approved by the Israeli government, it will pave the way for an end to the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the entry of aid into Gaza
• The Israeli government will meet on Thursday to approve the deal. If the deal is approved, the ceasefire will go into effect immediately. Hamas has also agreed to the deal
• While world leaders, families of Israeli hostages and Palestinians displaced the war have welcomed the agreement, its details have not been fully disclosed
• Negotiations for the deal were held in Egypt. Aside from the Egyptian government, Qatar, the US and Turkey also helped broker the talks

Yolande Knell
Middle East correspondent, in Jerusalem

“A big day for Israel,” the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on social media shortly after President Trump announced an agreement on the first stage of his plan. He’s expected to convene his government later to approve the deal. Hamas called on the US and other mediators to ensure that Israel implements the deal “without disavowal or delay”.

Joy as the news spread in the dark streets of Khan Younis in southern Gaza overnight – and in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, the mother of an Israeli held captive lit a firework celebrating what she hopes is her son’s imminent release.

A statement from the Hostages Families Forum expressed “profound gratitude to President Trump” for what it called an “historic breakthrough..”

Israel’s Security Cabinet is now due to meet followed by a full government meeting to authorise the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. Hamas has confirmed it’s waiting for final approval of the prisoner list. This is the third ceasefire reached since the start of a bloody war two years ago, and there’s hope on both sides that it marks a full end to the fighting.

It’s not clear if any international guarantees have been given to ensure that. There are also few details on thorny issues covered by the US peace plan. It requires Hamas to give up its weapons, something it’s repeatedly refused to do – and lays out plans for post-war governance and rebuilding of Gaza – much of which lies in ruins.

Image source, Reuters

The mother of Matan Zangauker - one of the Israeli hostages being held in Gaza - has just posted on X about her son's potential return.

"Matan returns home to me, to (his sisters) Natalie and Shani, to (his partner) Ilana, the love of his life," writes Einav Zangauker.

"To you, to the country, I prayed for these tears."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog says the "heart of Israel beats as one with the hostages and their families" in a post on X.

He adds a quote from the prophet Jeremiah in his post: “They shall return from the land of the enemy... and children shall return to their borders."

Image source, Getty Images

Over the past two years, Israeli forces have destroyed much of Gaza and killed over 67,183 Palestinians, including 20,179 children, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Its figures are seen as reliable by the UN and other international bodies, although Israel disputes them.

Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to the 7 October 2023 attack, in which Hamas-led gunmen killed about 1,200 people and took 251 others as hostages.

Gaza's health ministry has said 460 people have died from the effects of malnutrition since the start of the war, including 182 since a man-made famine was confirmed in Gaza City in August by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. Netanyahu has repeatedly denied starvation is taking place in Gaza and said Israel is facilitating deliveries of food and other aid.

If both Hamas and Israel abide by the initial ceasefire deal, as many US politicians are hopeful they will, the war will come to an end.

Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images

Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images

Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images

Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images

Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images

Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images

Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images