Israel’s government officially approved a ceasefire with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, on Friday. The agreement will lead to the cessation of hostilities in Gaza within 24 hours, followed by the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza within the next 72 hours. The Israeli cabinet endorsed the deal early on Friday morning, approximately a day after mediators announced a pact to free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the two-year conflict in Gaza.
The ceasefire marked a significant development, with both Israelis and Palestinians expressing relief after enduring two years of conflict that resulted in a high number of casualties on both sides. The war not only intensified Israel’s international isolation but also transformed into a regional crisis involving Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon. The strained relationship between the U.S. and Israel was also tested, as Trump urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to finalize the agreement.
The ceasefire agreement includes the release of all hostages, both living and deceased, as confirmed by Netanyahu’s official statement. Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya received assurances from the United States and other mediators that the war had come to an end.
Under the terms of the agreement, the ceasefire will take effect within 24 hours of government approval, and the remaining hostages in Gaza will be liberated within 72 hours. The deal involves the exchange of hundreds of prisoners held by Israel for the release of all remaining hostages by Hamas. The process of recovering the bodies of the deceased hostages may take longer than the release of those who are alive.
The ceasefire agreement also aims to restore aid to Gaza, allowing trucks carrying essential supplies to enter the region to assist civilians affected by the destruction caused by the conflict. However, challenges remain, including the finalization of the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released and the governance structure for Gaza post-conflict, including the role of Hamas.
The agreement, if fully implemented, could bring both sides closer to a lasting peace than any previous efforts. It outlines plans for a transitional government to oversee day-to-day operations in Gaza, with international oversight led by a committee chaired by Trump. The agreement also addresses the issue of Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, with a detailed map indicating the areas where IDF forces would remain post-ceasefire.
Overall, the ceasefire agreement signifies a crucial step towards ending the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas, offering hope for a more stable and peaceful future in the region.