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Israel’s Cabinet early Friday approved a ceasefire plan brokered by President Donald Trump aimed at ending the two-year war in Gaza and securing the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, a crucial step toward stabilizing the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office described the vote as approval of the “outline” of a deal to release hostages, without detailing other aspects of the broader plan, which includes questions over Hamas’ disarmament and Gaza’s governance.
According to an Israeli official speaking on condition of anonymity, the ceasefire is expected to begin immediately, with the military given 24 hours to pull back to a designated line.
The conflict, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, wounded nearly 170,000, and left hundreds of hostages in Gaza. Israeli authorities report 1,200 dead and 251 taken hostage in the initial assault.
Terms of the agreement
Senior Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya outlined key elements of the ceasefire Thursday: Israel will release roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, open border crossings with Egypt, allow humanitarian aid to flow, and begin withdrawing troops from Gaza. Al-Hayya also said all women and children in Israeli custody would be freed.
U.S. officials said around 200 American troops will deploy to Israel to help monitor and support the ceasefire as part of a broader international team. Officials spoke on condition of anonymity.
Implementation and next steps
The ceasefire agreement, expected to be signed in Egypt, will include a detailed prisoner list and maps outlining Israeli troop withdrawals. Israel will allow victims of attacks 24 hours to raise objections to the prisoner list.
Hamas and Egyptian officials indicated that hostage and prisoner releases could begin as early as Sunday night, with most scheduled for Monday. Five border crossings, including Rafah, are set to reopen for humanitarian aid. The United Nations reports 170,000 metric tons of supplies ready to enter Gaza once authorized.
The Trump plan envisions an international force, led by Arab and Muslim countries, to maintain security inside Gaza while Israel retains an open-ended border presence. The U.S. is expected to lead a large-scale reconstruction effort, with a potential role for the Palestinian Authority — contingent on long-term reforms. The plan remains vague on the establishment of a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu opposes.
