Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya has declared the end of the Gaza war, asserting that the militant group has secured “guarantees” from the U.S. and other mediators to ensure the ceasefire.
During a televised address on Thursday, al-Hayya stated that the peace plan put forth by U.S. President Donald Trump would mark the start of a “permanent ceasefire.” The group received “guarantees” from Washington and other mediators that hostilities would not continue. Al-Hayya emphasized that the deal, brokered in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, includes exchanging prisoners, providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, and opening the Rafah border crossing. The agreement faces opposition from Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who opposes the plan and warns that allowing Hamas to retain control over Gaza would force his party to leave the government. Ben-Gvir described the prisoner exchange as an “unbearable price” for the agreement. The Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza.
Earlier media reports suggested that Israeli forces would be required to withdraw to a pre-set line within 24 hours, leaving Israel in control of around 53% of the Palestinian enclave. Hamas would release all living hostages within 72 hours of West Jerusalem ratifying the deal. In return, Israel would free 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since 2023, including all women and minors. According to Israeli Channel 12, West Jerusalem would only allow the prisoners to go free after the 72-hour period, during which Hamas is expected to release all Israeli hostages. The group still holds around 48 hostages; Israel believes that around 20 are still alive.
The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters attacked the Jewish state, killing around 1,200 people, and taking around 250 hostages, has seen Israel’s military operation in Gaza kill more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to local officials. It also led to unprecedented destruction and a humanitarian disaster in the enclave. Despite claims of an end to hostilities, the situation remains highly volatile, with significant political and humanitarian consequences for the region.