On October 12, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the war in Gaza has ended as he boarded Air Force One to travel to Israel. His visit coincides with a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking a significant step toward peace in the region. The ceasefire, which began on Friday, is part of the first phase of a 20-point peace plan brokered by Trump, with further phases still under negotiation.
Ceasefire and Hostage Release Details
The ceasefire deal includes the release of hostages taken by Hamas during their October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 251 individuals taken hostage. Hamas is expected to release all remaining hostages, including 20 believed to be alive and the remains of up to 28 deceased, by midday on Monday (10:00 BST). In return, Israel will release around 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees from Gaza. Additionally, increased humanitarian aid is set to flow into Gaza to address the ongoing crisis.
Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed confidence that the ceasefire would hold, stating, “Everybody is happy, and I think it’s going to stay that way.” He also highlighted his role in the negotiations, saying, “I’m good at solving wars. I’m good at making peace.”
Gaza’s Future and the “Board of Peace”
Trump outlined plans for Gaza’s recovery, describing the region as a “demolition site” but predicting it could become a “miracle” in the coming decades. He announced the establishment of a “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and governance, which he said would be set up “very quickly.” However, challenges remain, including unresolved issues like Gaza’s governance, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the disarming of Hamas.
Humanitarian Crisis and Aid Efforts
The war has taken a devastating toll on Gaza. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 67,000 Palestinians, including more than 18,000 children, have been killed since the conflict began. The United Nations estimates that 600 aid trucks are needed daily to address the humanitarian crisis, with famine declared in parts of Gaza, including Gaza City, by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). Israel disputes these claims, arguing that the IPC report relies on inaccurate data and ignores their humanitarian efforts.
Aid trucks began entering Gaza on Sunday, but Unicef’s James Elder noted that the current volume falls short of what is needed. Amjad Al Shawa, a Palestinian aid coordinator, estimated that 300,000 tents are required to house 1.5 million displaced Gazans. Returning residents have described widespread destruction, with homes reduced to rubble and the risk of unexploded ordnance complicating recovery efforts.
International Summit and Regional Reactions
Trump’s visit to Israel includes an address to the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, before he heads to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, for an international summit hosted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Leaders from over 20 countries, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, are expected to attend to discuss ending the war. A “document ending the war in the Gaza Strip” is anticipated to be signed.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi welcomed the ceasefire but declined to attend the summit, citing ongoing tensions with countries that have sanctioned Iran. Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, hundreds of thousands of Israelis rallied to express gratitude to Trump for his role in the peace process. Demonstrator Dalia Yosef voiced hope, saying, “For two years we [have been] waiting for this day… we will see [the hostages].”
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, challenges persist. Recent clashes between Hamas security forces and armed groups in Gaza City have resulted in at least 27 deaths, highlighting ongoing internal tensions. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the military would destroy Hamas’s underground tunnels once the hostages are released. The return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza has also revealed the extent of the destruction, with many finding their homes uninhabitable.
As the ceasefire holds and hostages are expected to be freed, the international community watches closely. The success of the peace plan’s later phases will depend on addressing complex issues like governance and rebuilding Gaza, but for now, Trump’s declaration of peace signals hope for a region long plagued by conflict.