Israel’s government has officially approved a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, setting the stage for the cessation of hostilities in Gaza within the next 24 hours and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza within 72 hours. The agreement was endorsed by the Israeli cabinet early Friday morning, following a previous announcement by mediators regarding the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the two-year conflict in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s official statement confirmed the approval of the framework for the release of all hostages, both living and deceased. The ongoing war has exacerbated Israel’s international isolation, entangled the Middle East in a regional conflict involving Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon, and strained the relationship between the U.S. and Israel, with President Trump exerting pressure on Netanyahu to secure a deal.
Upon the announcement of the ceasefire agreement, there was a sense of relief and jubilation among Israelis and Palestinians, marking a significant milestone in ending the prolonged conflict that resulted in the loss of over 67,000 Palestinian lives based on official Gaza figures. The last hostages taken by Hamas in the initial attacks that sparked the conflict are expected to be returned.
In Gaza, residents expressed cautious optimism and relief, with one individual highlighting the end of bombings, drone attacks, displacement, and hunger that have plagued the region. Hamas’s leader in Gaza, Khalil Al-Hayya, confirmed receiving assurances from the U.S. and other mediators that the war has come to an end.
The ceasefire agreement stipulates that hostilities will cease within 24 hours of approval, with the release of hostages scheduled within 72 hours thereafter. Families of the hostages, including those of the late Hadar Goldin, who died in 2014, welcomed the news with emotions ranging from disbelief to overwhelming joy.
While the ceasefire offers hope for peace, challenges remain in the implementation process, including the release of prisoners and the restoration of aid to Gaza’s devastated population. The fate of Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian figure serving multiple life sentences in Israeli prisons, remains a point of contention in the negotiations.
As part of Trump’s proposed 20-point plan, discussions on the governance of Gaza post-ceasefire are pending, including the establishment of a transitional government and an oversight committee to ensure compliance. The withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza presents a critical aspect of the agreement, with detailed maps indicating proposed withdrawal lines but raising concerns over lingering tensions in certain areas.
The ceasefire agreement, if fully realized, holds the promise of a significant breakthrough in ending the protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas, paving the way for peace and stability in the region.
