Israel's Cabinet early on Friday approved President Donald Trumps plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, news agency Associated Press (AP) reported. A brief statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the Cabinet approved the “outline” of a deal to free the hostages but did not mention other, more contentious parts of the plan. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the ceasefire is to begin immediately following government approval, and Israeli forces have 24 hours to pull back to agreed positions. The broader ceasefire plan leaves several questions unresolved, including Hamas’ disarmament and the future governance of Gaza. The war, sparked by Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, destroyed large parts of Gaza, and left many hostages in the territory, AP reported. During the Hamas-led assault, about 1,200 people were killed, and 251 including foreign nationals were taken hostage. Israel’s counteroffensive has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and wounded nearly 170,000, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which notes roughly half of the deaths were women and children. In the hours before the Cabinet vote, Israeli strikes continued, including a Gaza City attack that killed at least two and left more than 40 trapped under rubble, the Palestinian Civil Defense said. Hamas outlines ceasefire terms Hamas’ senior negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said Israel would release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, reopen the border crossing with Egypt, allow aid into Gaza, and withdraw forces. He added that all women and children held in Israeli jails will also be freed. “We declare today that we have reached an agreement to end the war and the aggression against our people,” Al-Hayya said in a televised speech. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said about 200 American troops will be sent to Israel to support and monitor the ceasefire as part of a broader international team. Reactions were mixed in Gaza, with some mourning the losses while cautiously welcoming the ceasefire. In Israel, families of remaining hostages celebrated. Implementation and international support Under the deal, Hamas plans to release all living hostages in the coming days, while the Israeli military will begin a phased withdrawal from Gaza, AP reported. The agreement, expected to be signed in Egypt, will include a list of prisoners to be released and maps for the first phase of Israeli troop movements. Victims of the prisoners’ attacks will have 24 hours to raise objections. Five border crossings, including the Rafah crossing with Egypt, are set to reopen. Tom Fletcher, UN humanitarian chief, said 170,000 metric tons of aid and supplies are ready for delivery to Gaza once approved. The plan envisions Israel maintaining an open-ended military presence along its border with Gaza. An international force, mainly from Arab and Muslim countries, would handle internal security, while the US leads an internationally funded reconstruction effort. The Palestinian Authority may eventually have a role, though it will require significant reform, and the Trump plan offers only vague details about a future Palestinian state, which Netanyahu continues to reject. (With inputs from agencies)
