A breakthrough ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States, is set to end the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas, marking the first significant step towards peace. The deal, which was approved by Israel’s cabinet early Friday, aims for a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the exchange of prisoners. If implemented successfully, it could bring an end to the deadly conflict and secure the release of Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas will free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with the Israeli military beginning a gradual pullback from Gaza. The ceasefire is scheduled to take effect within the next 24 hours, making it one of the most promising efforts at peace since the violence erupted two years ago.
“The government has just now approved the framework for the release of all of the hostages – the living and the deceased,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, confirming the breakthrough on his official X account.
Reports indicate that there are 20 Israeli hostages still believed to be alive, while 26 are presumed dead, and two others remain missing. However, Hamas has suggested that the process of returning the bodies of the deceased could take more time than the release of those still alive. Israeli officials have assured that hostages held in Gaza will be freed within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect.
Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya expressed optimism about the deal, stating that his group had received guarantees from both the U.S. and other international mediators that the war would come to a formal end under this new framework. Once the ceasefire begins, humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, will be allowed into Gaza, where a large number of civilians have been displaced by the ongoing fighting.
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led attacks killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of 251 hostages, has since claimed the lives of more than 67,000 Palestinians.
The agreement has received widespread support from both Western and Arab countries, with many calling it a positive step toward lasting peace. However, key challenges still remain, particularly the finalization of the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released and discussions around who will govern Gaza in the post-war period.
Despite opposition from some far-right members of Israel’s ruling coalition, the ceasefire deal represents a major diplomatic success for U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump is expected to visit the region on Sunday and may participate in a signing ceremony in Egypt.
International discussions in Paris have already begun on post-war reconstruction and the possibility of deploying peacekeepers to help stabilize Gaza. The United States has announced that it will contribute 200 troops to a multinational task force, which will also include forces from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and possibly the United Arab Emirates, to help restore order once the ceasefire officially takes hold.