US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have reached a deal to end the Gaza war in the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement, under which all remaining Israeli prisoners will be released. This is a first step towards peace after two years of war that devastated the Gaza Strip.

The preliminary agreement is based on the 20-point plan announced by Trump last week. His special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner were sent to Egypt to complete negotiations in the presence of Ron Dermer, senior advisor to Netanyahu, and the Qatari Prime Minister. Many details still need to be resolved in a later phase of the agreement, including how Gaza will be governed, who will provide security, and demands for Hamas to disarm.

The Wall Street Journal has reported new details about the main elements of the first phase:

• All living prisoners held by Hamas will be released: There are 48 hostages, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive, and Trump stated that the hostages are likely to be released on Monday.
• Delivery of hostages’ bodies: Hamas said it will need at least 10 days to locate the bodies of deceased hostages, according to people close to the talks.
• Israel will release Palestinian prisoners: Once all hostages return, Israel is expected to release 250 Palestinians from Israeli prisons and 1700 Palestinians arrested in Gaza during the conflict. The final list is being determined, and Hamas has sought the release of as many prominent prisoners as possible, including Marwan Barghouti, imprisoned by Israel for his role in the early 2000s Palestinian uprising.
• Withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces from 70% of the Gaza Strip: The agreement includes a map of withdrawal lines but without specifying exact locations or coordinates. The final lines to which the Israeli army will withdraw are likely still under discussion.
• Opening the Rafah crossing with Egypt: The crossing will open after the ceasefire takes effect to facilitate aid delivery and allow Palestinians to return. This point may be updated periodically.