Gaza ceasefire deal: roadmap for lasting peace?
What does the ceasefire deal mean for Israelis and Palestinians? What are some of the pitfalls that lie ahead? How are local Jewish and Palestinian community members feeling?
Listen 51:09
(Freed Israeli hostage Avinatan Or gestures from a van as he arrives at Beilinson hospital in Petah Tikva, Israel, after he was released from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) / Palestinian prisoners are greeted after being released from Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
Hamas released the 20 living Israeli hostages today after two years in captivity, marking a significant step in the ceasefire agreement. Israel released more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners included in the deal. Scenes of emotional reunions were seen across Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. Humanitarian aid also began flowing into the battered Gaza Strip. This marks the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
President Donald Trump declared “the end of a war” and what he called “a historic dawn for the Middle East” this morning in an address before the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. So far, the truce he helped broker appears to be holding.
Following his speech, Trump traveled to Egypt for a peace summit with leaders from Turkey, Jordan, Britain, Germany, France, and Italy. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas attended; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, did not participate.
Despite widespread relief with the ceasefire, many uncertainties remain. Key aspects of the 20-point peace framework are still unclear: How will Gaza be rebuilt? What steps will be taken to disarm Hamas? Will Israel withdraw its forces — and if so, on what timeline? And who will govern Gaza going forward?
Today, we examine the ceasefire deal, what it could mean for both Israelis and Palestinians, and explore the unresolved challenges ahead. We’ll also hear reactions from Jewish and Palestinian community members in our region.
Guests:
Robin Wright, contributing writer and columnist at The New Yorker. She has covered the Middle East for half a century and is the author of several books on the region.
Michael Balaban, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Jude Husein, founder of Philadelphia Palestine Day
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Shutdown stalemate, ICE protests, Gaza talks, regional budget battles
In today’s politics roundtable, we break down the week’s biggest stories with two columnists from opposite sides of the aisle. We touch on topics near and far.
Air Date: October 6, 2025 12:00 pm
Listen 51:12
Here’s a look at why it is so hard to end the war in Gaza
Israelis have joined mass protests calling for a ceasefire that would bring the hostages back. They say the war continues because Netanyahu is trying to stay in power.
2 months ago
Netanyahu hints at expanded war in Gaza but former Israeli military and spy chiefs object
Gaza's Health Ministry said the Palestinian death toll has surpassed 61,000. Health officials reported new deaths of hungry Palestinians seeking food at distribution points.
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