Gaza ceasefire plan live: Israel says it is preparing to pull back troops; living hostages could be released within days

<p>US president Donald Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to ‘first phase’ of plan to pause fighting and release some hostages and prisoners</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/09/first-phase-of-ceasefire-deal-to-end-war-in-gaza-agreed-by-israel-and-hamas">Full report: ‘First phase’ of deal to end war in Gaza agreed</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/09/gaza-ceasefire-deal-first-phase-trump-peace-plan">What we know so far about the deal</a></p></li></ul><p>Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza gathered in what has come to be known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv after the announcement.</p><p>“President Trump, thank you very much. We thank him, our children will not have returned home without him,” said <strong>Hatan Angrest</strong>, whose son Matan is among the hostages.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/oct/09/gaza-ceasefire-live-trump-says-hostages-probably-released-monday-idf-says-gaza-city-still-extremely-dangerous">Continue reading...</a>