Israeli Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal with Hamas

Israel’s government has approved a long-awaited ceasefire agreement with Hamas, marking what could be the first real step toward ending the two-year-long war in Gaza. The deal, announced early Friday morning, promises to stop the fighting within 24 hours and begin releasing Israeli hostages held in Gaza within the next three days.

The decision came after long hours of discussions in the Israeli cabinet and international pressure to end the conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and devastated the Gaza Strip.

How the Ceasefire Will Work

According to the agreement, Israel and Hamas will stop all military actions within 24 hours of the Israeli cabinet’s approval. Within 72 hours after that, Hamas is expected to begin releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

The deal is part of a larger plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war, rebuild Gaza, and create a stable peace in the region. Trump’s plan includes several steps: the release of hostages, withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza in stages, and a joint international effort to help Gaza recover after years of destruction.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the approval of the deal on his official social media account, stating, “The government has just now approved the framework for the release of all of the hostages – the living and the deceased.”

War’s Heavy Toll

The Gaza war began in October 2023 when Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli towns and a music festival, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a massive military campaign that destroyed large parts of Gaza.

Since then, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to health authorities in Gaza. Thousands of families have lost their homes, and entire neighborhoods have been turned into rubble.

The conflict spread beyond Gaza, pulling in regional powers like Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen. It also caused growing tensions between Israel and its Western allies, especially the United States, which has been urging both sides to reach a peaceful settlement.

Hope and Relief Across Both Sides

When news of the ceasefire deal broke, celebrations erupted across both Israel and Gaza.

In Tel Aviv, Israelis gathered at the city’s “Hostage Square,” where families of captives have gathered for two years, calling for their loved ones’ release. Einav Zaugauker, whose son Matan is among the last remaining hostages, was overcome with emotion. “I can’t breathe, I can’t explain what I’m feeling—it’s crazy,” she said.

In southern Gaza, residents also celebrated the news. “Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,” said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo from Khan Younis. “All of Gaza is happy, all the Arab people, all the world is happy with the end of bloodshed.”

What Happens Next

An Israeli spokesperson said the ceasefire will begin within 24 hours, followed by the release of hostages within 72 hours. Twenty hostages are believed to be alive, while 26 are presumed dead, and two remain unaccounted for. Hamas has said it may take longer to locate and return the bodies of the deceased.

Once the ceasefire begins, large numbers of trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies will enter Gaza to help civilians. Many families have been living in tents after losing their homes in Israeli airstrikes.

Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader living in exile, said that mediators—including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt—have given assurances that the war is now over.

Unfinished Issues and Political Challenges

Although the ceasefire is a breakthrough, experts warn that the deal still faces many risks.

The final list of Palestinian prisoners to be freed is not yet complete, and Hamas wants Israel to release some of the most prominent figures in its jails. Israel, on the other hand, wants guarantees that Hamas will disarm—a demand that Hamas has strongly rejected.

There are also disagreements inside Israel’s government. Some far-right ministers oppose any negotiation with Hamas. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned that he would vote to dissolve the government if Hamas is not completely dismantled.

In Gaza, uncertainty remains over who will govern the territory once Israeli troops withdraw. Trump’s 20-point peace plan includes forming a temporary international task force to manage Gaza’s stability and reconstruction.

International Support for the Peace Deal

The ceasefire agreement has been welcomed by both Western and Arab countries. Governments in Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan called it a “historic opportunity” to end the suffering of millions of people.

President Trump said he would travel to the Middle East on Sunday to attend a possible signing ceremony in Egypt. Israeli Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana also invited Trump to address Israel’s parliament, making him the first U.S. president to do so since 2008.

If the deal is successfully implemented, it could become one of the most significant diplomatic successes of Trump’s presidency, especially as he faces pressure to also bring peace to Ukraine.

In Paris, world leaders met to discuss forming an international peacekeeping force to secure Gaza and support its reconstruction. The United States announced that it would send 200 troops as part of a joint task force for Gaza’s stability. These troops will not enter Gaza itself but will work with Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and possibly the United Arab Emirates to coordinate humanitarian and security efforts.

End of a Long and Painful War?

For the people of Gaza and Israel, the deal brings cautious hope. After two years of death, destruction, and displacement, many are desperate for peace and normal life to return.

But rebuilding Gaza will take time and huge resources. Cities such as Rafah, Khan Younis, and Gaza City have been largely destroyed. The United Nations estimates that hundreds of thousands of people are still without clean water, electricity, or proper shelter.

Despite these challenges, the ceasefire marks the most hopeful moment in the region since the war began. Both Israelis and Palestinians are looking forward to an end to violence and the beginning of rebuilding their lives.

As one resident in Gaza said, “We just want peace now. We want our children to live without fear.”

Disclaimer

This report is based on information from official statements, verified media reports, and diplomatic sources as of October 10, 2025. Developments in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement may continue to evolve. cninews aims to present accurate and balanced coverage for public understanding and does not take sides in the ongoing conflict.