Explosions in Gaza despite Israel, Hamas agreement on first stage of ceasefire

The Gaza civil defence agency reported Thursday that several strikes hit the territory following the announcement of a ceasefire plan agreed upon by Hamas and Israel.

Smoke rises from explosions in Gaza, as seen from southern Israel, October 7, 2025.(File Photo/REUTERS)

“Since the announcement last night of an agreement on a proposed ceasefire framework in Gaza, several explosions have been reported, particularly in areas of northern Gaza,” said Mohammed Al-Mughayyir, an official with the agency, citing “a series of intense airstrikes” on Gaza City, reported AFP.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of his plan to end the war in Gaza. “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump said on Truth Social.

The Republican President’s announcement of agreement, however, provided few details, raising concerns that it could collapse like previous peace efforts.

The announcement came a day after the second anniversary of a cross-border attack by Hamas militants (October 7 attack) that triggered Israel’s large-scale assault on Gaza, which has killed over 67,000 people.

The initial stage of Trump’s 20-point framework was reached following indirect talks in Egypt. If fully implemented, the accord is expected to bring the two sides closer than any prior effort to halt a war that has escalated into a regional conflict.

The successful implementation of Trump’s Gaza plan would represent a major foreign policy achievement for the US President, who campaigned on resolving major international conflicts but has faced challenges in delivering results, both in Gaza and in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Possibility of ceasefire sparks celebration in Gaza and beyond

News of the deal sparked celebrations in Israel, Gaza, and beyond. Israeli families of hostages set off fireworks, while Palestinians cheered in hope of an end to the violence.

“Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,” said Abdul Majeed abd Rabbo, a resident of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, Reuters reported.

“I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed,” he added.