Hamas declared early Thursday that a comprehensive agreement has been reached to end Israel’s devastating war on the Gaza Strip, marking a significant step toward halting over 23 months of genocidal aggression.

According to a statement issued at dawn on the 734th day of Israel’s war of extermination against Gaza, the deal also includes a framework for a mutual prisoner exchange, a central demand of the Palestinian resistance since the onset of the aggression in October 2023.

Hamas affirmed that the development followed intensive and serious negotiations in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh, involving mediators from Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye, and the United States, centered on the latest ceasefire proposal put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump.

In its statement, Hamas urged all guarantor states — including the U.S., Arab, Islamic, and international partners — to ensure that the Israeli occupation regime abides fully by the agreement’s terms, particularly the immediate cessation of hostilities, withdrawal from Gaza, and the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid.

The Movement saluted the steadfast Palestinian people across Gaza, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the diaspora, praising their “unmatched courage, heroism, and honor” in confronting what it called “the fascist occupation’s schemes” aimed at erasing their national identity and rights.

“We salute our great people in the Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, the West Bank and beyond, who have shown unmatched courage, heroism and honor in confronting the fascist occupation’s schemes against them and their national rights,” Hamas said.

Ezzat al-Resheq, a senior member of Hamas’s Political Bureau, described the ceasefire as “a distinctly national achievement”, emphasizing that it reflected the unity of the Palestinian people and their unwavering trust in resistance as the only viable path to liberation.

“The ceasefire in Gaza is the culmination of our people’s heroic sacrifices, their legendary resilience, and the steadfastness and fortitude of the resistance,” al-Resheq said. “It is a national victory that embodies the collective will of our people and their right to live free from occupation and oppression.”

Hamas stressed that the blood and sacrifices of Palestinians would never go in vain, vowing to continue defending national rights and to press forward with the struggle for full liberation, independence, and self-determination.

U.S. President Donald Trump later confirmed that Israel and Hamas had agreed on the first phase of his Gaza ceasefire plan, which includes a cessation of hostilities, withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas, and the exchange of prisoners and detainees.

Qatar, one of the key mediators, announced that an agreement had been reached on “all provisions and implementation mechanisms” of the first phase, paving the way for sustained humanitarian aid delivery and the gradual restoration of life in the war-torn enclave.

As the ceasefire takes hold, the Palestinian people — who have endured unprecedented destruction, starvation, and siege — now look toward a fragile yet historic moment of hope, shaped by resistance, unity, and the enduring belief that freedom remains within reach.(ILKHA)