Israel and Hamas agree to first phase of ceasefire plan

After months of conflict, there are signs of hope in the Middle East. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan.

(CNN)- After months of conflict, there are signs of hope in the Middle East. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan — a move many are calling the beginning of the end of the war.

Former White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk said, “This really is the end of the war.”

Under the agreement, both sides must take key steps in the coming days. Hamas is expected to release the 48 hostages it still holds — the Israeli government believes 20 are alive — while Israel will begin pulling troops out of Gaza and release nearly two thousand Palestinian prisoners.

President Donald Trump announced that the release of hostages could begin as soon as Monday.

In both Israel and Gaza, the news has been met with relief and celebration. Crowds gathered, singing and cheering as the ceasefire announcement spread. Families of hostages expressed cautious optimism, with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum saying their “struggle is not over until the last hostage returns home.”

International organizations are preparing to assist with recovery. The United Nations says it will provide sustained humanitarian relief, while Trump added that other Middle Eastern nations plan to help rebuild Gaza.

Experts say the next stage of the ceasefire plan will be more difficult — focusing on long-term reconstruction and the creation of an international security force.