Hamas and Israel Agree to Gaza Truce, Disputes Remain Over Future Governance
DID Press: Palestinian resistance movement Hamas announced early Thursday, October 9, that it had reached a comprehensive ceasefire agreement with Israel. The deal, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, includes an end to the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a prisoner exchange. However, U.S. sources say no final agreement has been reached on key issues such as the disarmament of Hamas and the future governance of Gaza.
In a statement issued early Thursday, Hamas confirmed that the ceasefire was achieved through joint mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. The agreement reportedly covers four main points: a complete end to hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, a prisoner exchange, and the immediate entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave.
Hamas appreciated the mediating countries and also praised “the role of U.S. President Donald Trump” in finalizing the deal. The movement called on the guarantor states to ensure Israel’s full compliance, warning that “any delay or deception by the occupying government will not be tolerated.”
According to Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen network, the official signing ceremony is scheduled for Thursday in Cairo, the Egyptian capital. Meanwhile, Hamas’s government media office in Gaza has urged residents to avoid Al-Rashid and Salah al-Din roads until further notice as preparations for implementing the governance of Gaza are underway.
Israel’s Channel 12 television reported that under the agreement, Israeli captives will be handed over alive on Sunday, while the bodies of those killed will be returned on Monday. Hamas said it had submitted the list of Palestinian prisoners to the mediators and is awaiting final confirmation.
Despite progress, U.S. sources have reported lingering disagreements over several sensitive issues. According to ABC News, recent talks among mediators have focused primarily on the initial phase of implementation, with no final consensus yet reached on Hamas’s disarmament or Gaza’s future administrative structure.
Sources say most of the discussions have centered on Israel’s gradual withdrawal from Gaza and the exchange of hostages. The plan reportedly includes a three-day process for releasing Israeli captives, both alive and deceased.
Analysts describe the atmosphere among the parties — and in regional public opinion — as one of “cautious optimism mixed with skepticism,” noting that previous ceasefire attempts have collapsed at the final stage.
In its closing statement, Hamas declared that “the Palestinian people have stood with courage and dignity against the occupiers’ fascist schemes and prevented plans of forced displacement and national surrender.” The group reaffirmed its commitment to continue resistance until the full liberation and independence of Palestine.
Political observers see the agreement as a turning point in Gaza’s ongoing crisis and a test of the emerging regional and international roles in the conflict. While the announced truce could mark the beginning of a new phase of calm in the Gaza Strip, unresolved issues such as the disarmament of the resistance and the enclave’s political future remain at the center of upcoming negotiations.