End of Two-Year Onslaught: Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Comes into Effect

CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has officially announced that the **Gaza ceasefire agreement has come into effect**, marking the end of two years of devastating conflict. The Israeli government is expected to confirm the agreement by this evening.

According to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, the ceasefire represents a **“historic and pivotal moment”** in the Gaza conflict. It added that the **positive developments in Sharm el-Sheikh** symbolize a significant turning point. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty is set to travel to **Paris** to attend a ministerial meeting on the situation in Gaza.

President El-Sisi stated that after **two years of suffering**, the people of Gaza can finally witness peace, declaring that **“the world is observing a historic moment where peace has triumphed.”**

Meanwhile, **Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu** has convened a **security cabinet meeting** this evening to approve the agreement.

Earlier, **U.S. President Donald Trump** confirmed on social media that **Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of the peace plan**, under which all hostages will soon be released. Trump said Israeli forces would **withdraw to a mutually agreed line**, describing it as **“the first step toward a strong, lasting, and permanent peace.”**

He added, “This is a great day for the Muslim world, Israel, neighboring countries, and the United States,” while thanking **Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey** for their mediation efforts in making this **“historic and unprecedented achievement”** possible.

According to Israeli and Hamas sources, the agreement ensures the **cessation of hostilities**, the **withdrawal of Israeli troops**, and the **exchange of hostages and prisoners**.

Hamas urged **the U.S., Arab mediators, and international actors** to ensure Israel’s **full compliance** with the agreement and to prevent any **delays or violations**.

The **Qatari Foreign Ministry** confirmed that the **first phase of the ceasefire deal** had been agreed upon, facilitating **the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners**, along with **the delivery of humanitarian aid** to Gaza.

**French President Emmanuel Macron** welcomed the development, saying that France is ready to **support the peace implementation process**, urging both parties to **strictly adhere to the terms** of the agreement.

**Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney** expressed relief that hostages would soon be reunited with their families, saying that **“after years of immense suffering, peace finally feels within reach.”**

**European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen** praised the diplomatic efforts that led to the deal, calling it **“a hopeful step toward stability.”**

**EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas** described the ceasefire as **“a significant breakthrough”** and a **real opportunity** to end the devastating conflict and secure the release of all hostages.

**Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan** also expressed joy over the agreement but reiterated that **“the struggle will continue until an independent Palestinian state is established.”**

Meanwhile, **Saudi Arabia welcomed the ceasefire**, expressing hope that it will lead to a **complete Israeli withdrawal, the restoration of stability**, and the **revival of the two-state solution** for a lasting peace in the region.