Israel’s cabinet has approved Donald Trump’s plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
The announcement comes after Trump said Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a “historic” Gaza peace deal that will see both sides stop fighting.
The US president hailed the “unprecedented event” on Truth Social, adding that “ALL of the hostages will be released very soon” as part of the agreement.
Celebrations have erupted in both Gaza and Israel at what could be an end to a devastating Israeli military campaign in Gaza and the release of hostages who have been in captivity for two years.
Sources familiar with the talks said Hamas could release all 20 living hostages within days, while the deal will see Israeli troops pull back from most of Gaza. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “With God’s help we will bring them all home.”In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, families of captives chanted “Nobel prize to Trump” while celebrating the announcement.
Hamas confirmed that the agreement includes troop withdrawal, prisoner exchanges, and the entry of aid.
