The Israeli government has given its approval to an “outline” of the agreement, which involves a partial withdrawal of the IDF from the Gaza Strip.
On Friday, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli government has formally approved a plan for a ceasefire in Gaza and the liberation of all remaining hostages held by Hamas militants.
According to the statement, the Israeli cabinet endorsed an “outline” of the agreement focusing on the release of all hostages—both living and deceased—but did not specify other components of the ceasefire proposal. Forty-eight Israeli captives are still in Gaza, with an estimated 20 thought to be alive.
This plan, first introduced by US President Donald Trump in late September, grants the Israeli military a 24-hour period to withdraw its forces to a designated line, ensuring Israel retains control over approximately 53% of the enclave. Subsequently, Hamas is expected to release all hostages within 72 hours, in exchange for Israel releasing 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans who have been detained since 2023.
The comprehensive 20-point ceasefire framework stipulates a gradual yet complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the formation of a transitional international administration.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared via social media that a ceasefire commenced at 12pm local time (9:00 GMT). The statement indicated that Israeli forces have moved to the agreed-upon positions within the enclave; however, the military affirmed that its Southern Command will stay in the region and “will continue to neutralize any immediate threat.”
The conflict between Israel and Hamas originated on October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas-led fighters on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of around 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent actions have led to the deaths of over 67,000 Palestinians, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, and have instigated a severe humanitarian crisis within the enclave, leading the UN to level accusations of genocide against West Jerusalem.
International leaders from Europe, the Middle East, and other regions largely endorsed Trump’s ceasefire proposal as a crucial stride towards resolving the conflict, advocating for immediate humanitarian aid access and the release of captives. Multiple Arab and Islamic states openly supported the initiative and implored all parties to capitalize on the diplomatic opportunity.
Russia similarly expressed support for the plan, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov remarking this week that it presently represents the most viable option to halt the violence.