AURN News with Ebony McMorris

Ceasefire Reached in Gaza, but Questions Remain Over Lasting Peace

Ebony McMorris
October 9, 2025

Reading Time: < 1 minute

(AURN News) — After two years of war and tens of thousands of deaths, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire — the most significant breakthrough since the conflict began in 2023.

The deal calls for a pause in fighting, the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and a phased withdrawal from most of Gaza.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio writes a note before handing it to President Donald Trump during a roundtable meeting on antifa in the State Dining Room at the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Crowds in Gaza and Tel Aviv erupted in cautious celebration after President Donald Trump announced the first phase of his 20-point peace plan — one many hope will end one of the deadliest wars in modern history.

But the road ahead is far from clear. Will Hamas truly disarm? Will Israel follow through on troop withdrawals? And what will governance in Gaza look like once the dust settles?

For now, aid is set to enter Gaza, and hostages are expected to be freed within days, as world leaders urge both sides to act in good faith.

Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris is a native Washingtonian and University of South Carolina alumna. Her passion is mentoring young adults by teaching community empowerment and media education. She is an NAB member and board member of the Thurgood Marshall Center and was presented the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for contributing more than 4,000 hours of community service under the Obama Administration.