Jerusalem, October 9(HS): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday pledged to bring home all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, following reports of an agreement to halt the months-long conflict.“With God’s help we will bring them all home,” Netanyahu’s office said in a short statement, issued shortly after US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan aimed at ending the Gaza war.

The announcement came as mediators worked to secure arrangements for prisoner and hostage exchanges under the framework of the peace plan. The proposed deal, brokered with US and regional backing, is expected to pave the way for further negotiations on a permanent truce and rebuilding Gaza’s devastated infrastructure.

Trump described the ceasefire as a “great day for the world,” while Netanyahu expressed gratitude to international partners for their “great efforts and friendship” in helping advance peace efforts.

Israel launched its Gaza operation after the October 2024 Hamas attacks, which left hundreds dead and led to months of escalating violence. The new ceasefire agreement marks the first concrete step toward ending hostilities since the fighting began.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar