Israel Approves Trump's Gaza Ceasefire Plan: Path to Peace and Hostage Release After Two Years of Conflict

Israel's Cabinet early Friday approved President Donald Trump's plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Israel's Cabinet early Friday approved President Donald Trump's plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas, marking a significant step toward ending a devastating two-year conflict that has destabilized the Middle East.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a brief statement confirming that the Cabinet had approved the "outline" of a hostage release deal, though it notably omitted mention of other controversial aspects of the plan.

While the broader ceasefire plan leaves many questions unanswered—such as Hamas disarmament and Gaza's future governance—the parties appear closer than they have been in months to ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, decimated Gaza's infrastructure, caused famine in parts of the territory, and left dozens of hostages, both alive and deceased, in Gaza.

The conflict, which began with Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has triggered regional instability, worldwide protests, and allegations of genocide that Israel denies.

The Hamas-led assault resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Israel's military response has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and wounded nearly 170,000 in Gaza, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which reports that about half of the casualties were women and children.

Even as the Israeli Cabinet prepared to vote, military operations continued. Explosions were observed Thursday in northern Gaza, and a strike on a Gaza City building killed at least two people and trapped more than 40 under rubble, according to Palestinian Civil Defense.

Gaza's Health Ministry reported at least 11 Palestinian deaths and 49 wounded individuals arriving at hospitals over the preceding 24 hours.

An Israeli military official speaking anonymously stated that Israel was targeting threats to repositioning troops. Hamas condemned the strikes, accusing Netanyahu of attempting to "shuffle the cards and confuse" mediation efforts.

Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official and lead negotiator, outlined what he described as the ceasefire deal's core elements: Israel releasing approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, opening the Egyptian border crossing, allowing aid delivery, and withdrawing from Gaza.

Al-Hayya stated that all women and children in Israeli detention would be freed, though he did not elaborate on the extent of Israel's withdrawal from Gaza.

He claimed that the Trump administration and mediators had provided assurances that the war is over, and that Palestinian factions will now focus on self-determination and establishing a Palestinian state.

"We declare today that we have reached an agreement to end the war and the aggression against our people," Al-Hayya announced in a Thursday evening televised address.

U.S. officials revealed plans to deploy about 200 troops to Israel as part of an international team to support and monitor the ceasefire implementation.

In Khan Younis, southern Gaza, reactions to the ceasefire announcement were subdued and tinged with grief.

"I am happy and unhappy. We have lost a lot of people and lost loved ones, friends and family. We lost our homes," said Mohammad Al-Farra. "Despite our happiness, we cannot help but think of what is to come. ... The areas we are going back to, or intending to return to, are uninhabitable."

In Tel Aviv, hostages' families celebrated with champagne and tears of joy following Trump's announcement.

Sharon Canot joined celebrations in Jerusalem on Thursday, saying, "We are so excited this morning. We cried all morning. It's been two years that we are in horror."

According to sources familiar with the agreement, Hamas plans to release all living hostages within days, while Israeli forces will begin withdrawing from most of Gaza. Approximately 20 of the 48 remaining hostages are believed to be alive.

In a video posted by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump was shown speaking by phone with jubilant hostage families, telling them, "They are all coming back on Monday." Trump is expected to visit the region soon.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told reporters that officials have 170,000 metric tons of medicine, aid, and supplies ready for transport into Gaza once authorized.

The deal, expected to be signed in Egypt, will include a list of prisoners to be released and maps for the initial phase of Israeli withdrawal to new positions in Gaza, according to Egyptian officials, a Hamas official, and another unnamed official.

Israel will publish the prisoner list, allowing victims of their attacks 24 hours to file objections.

The Israeli withdrawal could begin as soon as Thursday evening, with hostage and prisoner releases expected to start Monday, though some sources suggest exchanges could begin as early as Sunday night.

Five border crossings, including the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, would reopen according to Egyptian and Hamas officials.

Trump's plan envisions Israel maintaining an open-ended military presence inside Gaza along its border with Israel, while an international force comprising troops from Arab and Muslim countries would handle security inside Gaza. The U.S. would lead a massive internationally funded reconstruction effort.

The plan also anticipates an eventual role for the Palestinian Authority—which Netanyahu has long opposed—requiring the West Bank administration to undergo extensive reforms that could take years.

The Trump plan remains vague regarding a future Palestinian state, which Netanyahu firmly rejects.

Netanyahu, currently facing an ongoing corruption trial, may encounter political challenges in the coming days.

His hold on power has largely depended on support from far-right coalition partners who have pushed for continued operations against Hamas until the group is eliminated.

However, Trump suggested the ceasefire and hostage deal has strengthened Netanyahu's political position: "He's much more popular today than he was five days ago. I can tell you right now, people shouldn't run against him. Five days ago, might not have been a bad idea."