A Final Deal Has Been Reached Between Israel and Hamas

Two years and two days after the war between Israel and Hamas broke out, A U.S. brokered deal between Israel and Hamas that would end the war and release all 48 remaining hostages, living and deceased, was agreed between Israel and Hamas after talks progressed significantly in Cairo, Egypt. 

The news, which came late into the night between Wednesday, October 8 and Thursday, October 9, was met with joy from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum and both Israeli and U.S. officials. Einav Zangauker, the mother of living hostage Matan Zankgauker, was seen in videos posted on social media elatedly celebrating the news. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “I thank from the bottom of my heart President Trump and his team for their dedication to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages. With God’s help, together we will continue to achieve all our goals and expand peace with our neighbors.” 

The deal went into effect at 12:00 PM Israeli time on Thursday, October 9, though the Prime Minister’s Office said the deal will officially go into effect once the Prime Minister’s Cabinet approves the deal on Thursday, October 9, at 6:00 PM Israeli time. A security meeting is scheduled for the previous hour. 

On the heels of this joyous news, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on Sunday. Israel’s main airport, Ben Gurion Airport, has been preparing for his arrival. 

According to Israeli officials, all 20 living Israeli hostages could be freed Sunday or Monday, under the terms of the agreement’s 72-hour threshold. The Re’im Military Base is being converted into reception areas where hostages can shower, freshen up, and reunite with loved ones. The operation follows previous hostage protocols but on a larger scale, and hospitals across Israel are gearing up to receive them. 

A quadruple joint task force between Israel, the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, will work together to recover missing remains of hostages. Currently, Hamas has begun gathering the living hostages in safe zones to prepare for their release. 

Many Israelis and Jews across the diaspora say they have waited two long years for this news and now it is finally happening. Others we spoke with (in Israel and Europe) share they fear the peace won’t last and are holding their breaths.