"Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, paving the way for a pause in the fighting and the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Palestinians greeted the news cautiously Thursday as a possible breakthrough in ending the devastating 2-year-old war. Uncertainty remains about some of the thornier aspects of the plan advanced by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump - such as whether and how Hamas will disarm, and who will govern Gaza."
"The war, which began with Hamas' deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, has sparked worldwide protests and increasingly isolated Israel, as well as bringing allegations of genocide that Israel denies. Even with agreement expected to be signed later in the day, Israeli strikes continued, with explosions seen Thursday morning in northern Gaza. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties."
"Following news of the agreement, Alaa Abd Rabbo, originally from northern Gaza but forced to move multiple times during the war, said it was "a godsend." "This is the day we have been waiting for," he said from the central city of Deir al-Balah. "We want to go home." In Tel Aviv, families of the remaining hostages popped champagne and cried tears of joy when the deal was announced."
Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, allowing a pause in fighting and the release of remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Palestinians greeted the development cautiously as a potential breakthrough in the nearly two-year war. Key issues remain unresolved, including whether and how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza. The war began with Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack and has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, destroyed most of Gaza and caused famine in parts. Israeli strikes continued even as preparations for ceasefire implementation were underway.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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