Israel, Hamas sign Gaza truce deal

CEASEFIRE MARKS FIRST PHASE OF TRUMP'S 20-POINT PEACE PLAN

- MAAYAN LUBELL & NIDAL AL-MUGHRABI

Israelis and Palestinians rejoiced on Thursday after a ceasefire and hostage deal was announced, under the first phase of US President Donald Trump's initiative to end the war in Gaza which has killed tens of thousands and reshaped the Middle East.

The enemies publicly endorsed the deal and had been expected to sign it around noon in the Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh (09:00 GMT).

A senior Hamas official told Reuters both sides had signed the deal but Israel did not confirm this. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the ceasefire would take effect only when ratified by the Israeli government, which would convene after a security cabinet meeting scheduled for 5:00 pm.

Residents in Gaza reported a series of airstrikes on Gaza City around the time it was due to be signed.

Under the deal, the biggest step towards peace yet, fighting will cease, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza and Hamas will free hostages it captured in the attack that precipitated the war, in exchange for prisoners held by Israel.

A source briefed on details of the agreement said Israeli troops would begin pulling back within 24 hours of the deal being signed.

The release of all 20 Israeli hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza is expected on Sunday or Monday, an Israeli official said. Another 26 hostages have been declared dead in absentia and the fate of two is unknown. Hamas has indicated it may take time to recover bodies scattered across Gaza.

Palestinians and the families of Israeli hostages broke into wild celebrations after news emerged of the pact.