Washington / Jerusalem, October 14, 2025 —
In a dramatic turn of events that’s sending ripples through global diplomacy, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced what he calls a “historic peace in the Middle East” after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was officially signed in Doha late Monday.
The deal, brokered by U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators, marks the first major ceasefire since the brutal Gaza conflict reignited earlier this year. Under the agreement, both sides will halt all offensive military operations, exchange prisoners and hostages, and initiate reconstruction efforts in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
“Today, we make history. The guns are silent, and the hope of peace is alive again,” Trump declared in a televised address from his Florida residence at Mar-a-Lago.
“This is not about politics — it’s about humanity, faith, and the will to end endless wars.”
What the Deal Includes
According to officials familiar with the negotiations, the ceasefire plan involves:
A full cessation of hostilities for 90 days, renewable based on compliance.
Exchange of 50 hostages held by Hamas for 300 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
International humanitarian corridors to allow aid and rebuilding materials into Gaza.
Monitoring teams from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations to oversee implementation.
While the agreement was celebrated in Washington and parts of Europe, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained cautious. “Peace is possible only when our security is guaranteed,” he said, emphasizing that Israel would monitor Hamas’s commitment closely.
Meanwhile, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, speaking from Doha, called it “a step toward justice for the Palestinian people.” He added, “We seek peace built on dignity, not occupation.”
Mixed Global Reactions
Reactions poured in worldwide. The European Union, Russia, and China welcomed the ceasefire, while Iran labeled it “a tactical pause, not real peace.”
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called the deal “a light in a long tunnel of despair”, urging all sides to adhere to the terms.
Analysts say the agreement could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the region — if it holds.
“If this ceasefire lasts, it could redefine U.S. credibility in global mediation,” said Dr. Sarah Alvi, a Middle East analyst at the Carnegie Foundation. “Trump’s re-entry into diplomacy is both surprising and strategic.”
What Comes Next
Under the terms, both Israel and Hamas are required to submit weekly compliance reports.
A joint committee led by Qatar will supervise humanitarian aid distribution, ensuring materials are not diverted for military use.
In Gaza, scenes of relief mixed with skepticism. “We’ve seen peace deals before — they come and go,” said Youssef Hamdan, a 38-year-old teacher in Khan Younis. “But if this one brings electricity, water, and schools back, maybe we can believe again.”
Political Impact
Trump’s announcement also has major implications for U.S. politics. As he eyes a return to the White House in 2028, the former President appears eager to reassert his global leadership credentials.
“History will remember this day,” he told reporters. “When others talked, I made peace.”
Critics, however, warned against premature celebration. “This isn’t peace — it’s a pause,” tweeted one Israeli opposition leader. “Real peace requires real change on the ground.”
Conclusion
While skepticism lingers, the Gaza ceasefire agreement signals a rare moment of diplomatic optimism in a region long defined by mistrust. Whether this fragile truce will evolve into lasting peace depends on political will — and the world will be watching closely.
