The Israeli government has confirmed that it has approved the first phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hamas, a move that could bring an end to one of the deadliest conflicts in the region’s history. The announcement was made by the Prime Minister’s Office following a late-night cabinet session.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
Under the terms of the initial phase:
- Hamas will release all remaining Israeli hostages, estimated at 20 individuals still alive, along with arrangements for the return of bodies of those who died in captivity.
- Israel will withdraw its forces from most areas of Gaza to agreed positions, while maintaining security oversight in designated zones.
- Humanitarian aid convoys will be allowed into Gaza at scale, with hundreds of trucks expected to deliver food, medicine, and fuel daily.
- In exchange, Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including detainees held without charge.
International Mediation and Support
The deal was negotiated in Egypt, with mediation from the United States, Qatar, and Turkey. U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as a “historic breakthrough,” while European and regional leaders urged both sides to fully implement the terms.
Celebrations were reported in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square and in parts of Gaza, though many residents expressed caution, noting that previous ceasefire attempts had collapsed.
Challenges Ahead
While the agreement has been welcomed as a critical humanitarian step, unresolved issues remain. These include:
- The future governance of Gaza, with discussions on whether an international or technocratic authority will oversee reconstruction.
- The question of Palestinian statehood, which remains outside the scope of the current deal.
- The disarmament of Hamas, a contentious issue that could complicate subsequent phases of the peace plan.
Outlook
The approval of the first phase signals the most significant progress toward peace since the war began in October 2023. Analysts caution, however, that the durability of the ceasefire will depend on mutual compliance and sustained international engagement. For now, the decision offers a rare moment of relief for civilians on both sides of the conflict.
Sources: Israeli Prime Minister’s Office; CBS News; Times of Israel; Al Jazeera CBS News The Times of Israel WGBH.org.
