Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip celebrate after the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan, as they gather at a plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Israel and Hamas have finally agreed to the first stage of Donald Trump’s peace plan after two years and two days of war in Gaza.

It’s a momentous occasion which has triggered jubilant celebrations in the Middle East, even though there’s still a long road ahead. Here’s what you need to know.

A recap on the Gaza war

While tensions in the Middle East have been around for decades – if not longer – they reached new heights on October 7, 2023.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas killed 1,200 people on Israeli soil and took a further 250 people hostage.

Israel declared war immediately, imposed an aid blockade on the Palestinian territory and began a ground offensive, claiming they wanted to completely eliminate Hamas.

International journalists were not allowed into the area.

Over the last two years, more than 67,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the local health ministry run by Hamas. A UN-backed agency said half a million people were starving in Gaza City.

International condemnation grew, but Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to be deterred, under pressure from his own far-right government.

Palestinians in the West Bank also began to suffer, and Israel even launched attacks on neighbouring countries in the Middle East, claiming it was part of their ongoing bid to wipe out Hamas.

The widespread destruction of the territory led many, including the UN Commission, to accuse Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinians........

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