The Israeli government has approved a comprehensive agreement to end the war in Gaza and facilitate a prisoner exchange with Palestinian factions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced early Friday. The decision came after a Cabinet meeting to vote on the ceasefire and hostage release deal for the Gaza Strip.
Government Approval and Implementation
“The government, headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, approved the agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip and return all hostages (Israeli prisoners in Gaza),” the statement confirmed. According to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, this official approval means the ceasefire agreement will take immediate effect.
The agreement received widespread support within the Cabinet, with all ministers voting in favor except five. Those opposing included National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, both from the Jewish Power and Religious Zionism parties.
Trump’s Mediation and Agreement Details
US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on the first phase of his ceasefire and prisoner exchange plan. The breakthrough came after four days of indirect negotiations in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, involving delegations from Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar under US supervision.
With the ceasefire now approved, the Israeli army will withdraw to the “yellow line” within 24 hours. Hamas must then release all living prisoners within 72 hours, according to KAN.
Trump’s Comprehensive Plan
On September 29, Trump unveiled a 20-point plan for Gaza featuring the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and gradual Israeli withdrawal from the entire Gaza Strip.
Phase two envisions establishing new Gaza governance without Hamas participation, forming a security force comprising Palestinian and Arab-Islamic country troops, and Hamas disarmament. The plan also calls for Arab and Islamic funding for Gaza’s new administration and reconstruction, with limited Palestinian Authority involvement.
Regional Response and Conflict Impact
Arab and Muslim countries have welcomed the plan, though officials note many details require further discussion and negotiation for full implementation.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed nearly 67,200 Palestinians in Gaza, predominantly women and children, leaving the enclave uninhabitable.
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