Hamas Announces Gaza War 'Fully Ended' With US, Mediator Guarantees

Hamas has formally announced the complete termination of hostilities in Gaza after receiving explicit guarantees from international mediators and the United States administration confirming the war's conclusion. Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya declared in a pre-recorded address Thursday that "we have received guarantees from our brothers the mediators and the US administration, all confirming that the war has ended completely," marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough following months of intensive negotiations.

Al-Hayya detailed immediate implementation steps including Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza territories, reopening of the vital Rafah border crossing, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access throughout the besieged enclave. The agreement incorporates a substantial prisoner exchange, securing freedom for 250 Palestinians serving life sentences in Israeli detention facilities, 1,700 individuals detained after October 7, 2023, and all incarcerated women and children. The arrangement aligns with the 20-point framework US President Donald Trump initially presented on September 29.

The Hamas leader emphasized continued coordination with "national and Islamic factions" to implement remaining agreement components while protecting Palestinian national interests. Al-Hayya reaffirmed the organization's commitment to pursuing Palestinian self-determination and establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, indicating that while the current agreement addresses immediate humanitarian and security concerns, broader political objectives remain central to Hamas's strategic vision.

The ceasefire arrangement, initially announced by President Trump early Thursday and subsequently confirmed by Israeli authorities, establishes a two-phase approach to conflict resolution. The second phase envisions establishing new governance mechanisms in Gaza excluding Hamas participation, creating Palestinian-Arab security forces, and implementing Hamas disarmament alongside reconstruction funded primarily by Arab and Islamic nations. The comprehensive framework represents the most significant diplomatic achievement since the conflict's escalation.