On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Israel and Hamas signed the first phase of a ceasefire agreement brokered by international mediators and endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The deal was reached after three days of indirect negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh, with participation from Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the United States. While the agreement has been finalized, the ceasefire has not yet taken effect, and Israeli attacks on Gaza continue.
The humanitarian toll remains staggering. Medical sources in Gaza report that 67,194 Palestinians have been killed and 169,890 wounded since the beginning of the war on October 7, 2023. In the past 24 hours alone, at least 11 Palestinians were killed and 49 wounded, including two civilians targeted while seeking aid.
The Government Media Office in Gaza condemned the ongoing attacks as “clear massacres against civilians” and called on the international community to enforce the ceasefire.
The International Committee of the Red Cross reported that its teams have come under direct attack while attempting to deliver aid and evacuate the wounded.
The number of Palestinians killed while attempting to secure necessities now stands at 2,615, with over 19,177 injured.
Since March 18, 2025, following Israel’s violation of a previously mediated ceasefire, the toll includes 13,598 killed and 57,849 wounded, with many victims still trapped under rubble or unreachable due to continued bombardment and destroyed infrastructure.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, Israeli warplanes and artillery launched fresh attacks early Thursday on Gaza City and Khan Younis.
Nasser Medical Complex confirmed injuries from shelling in central Khan Younis. In Gaza City, strikes hit the industrial zone southwest of Sabra, and a drone killed a man in an-Nasr neighborhood as he inspected the ruins of his home.
In Wadi Gaza, artillery fire killed another civilian, and in Rafah, colonizers opened fire near aid centers, killing at least one and wounding others.
Under the agreement’s first phase, Hamas is expected to release 20 Israeli captives believed to be alive, along with the bodies of 28 others. Israel will release over 1,000 Palestinian detainees, including hundreds from Gaza detained since the war began.
Gaza breathes for the first time in months — a moment of calm after endless fire. The ceasefire begins pic.twitter.com/sXrDHYusjz
— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@Globalsumudf) October 9, 2025
Discussions are still ongoing regarding the identities of the Palestinian detainees to be freed. A senior Israeli official stated that the release of Israeli captives is expected on Sunday or Monday, following ratification of the deal by Israel’s government.
Humanitarian agencies are mobilizing in anticipation of the ceasefire. The World Health Organization expressed readiness to expand operations in Gaza to meet urgent health needs and support the rehabilitation of the collapsed healthcare system.
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, confirmed the agency is prepared to scale up aid delivery and urged immediate action.
“We’re informing anyone who doesn’t have internet.”
A group of Palestinian journalists walked through the streets of Gaza City, announcing that a ceasefire agreement had been reached amidst a widespread internet blackout pic.twitter.com/vQghkgktoh
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) October 9, 2025
The ceasefire announcement has prompted cautious optimism and widespread international support:
– Belgian Foreign Minister Maxim Prévot welcomed the agreement as a critical step toward ending the blockade and securing the release of captives.
– Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called it the beginning of a just and lasting peace, urging dialogue and justice to prevent future atrocities.
– Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre praised Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their role and affirmed Norway’s readiness to support lasting peace.
– Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the deal as a positive development and expressed hope for future agreements.
– Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the need for full humanitarian access and a permanent ceasefire.
– German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin is monitoring the situation and sees a real horizon for peace in the Middle East, urging all parties to honor their commitments.
As Gaza braces for the ceasefire’s implementation, the scale of destruction and civilian suffering remains unprecedented. Whether the agreement will hold—and whether meaningful relief will reach the population—remains uncertain amid continued military escalation and diplomatic fragility.
