In a significant turn of events, Israel’s cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas, paving the way for an extensive hostage exchange and a potential end to the two-year-long Gaza conflict. The decision came after intense discussions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump, and senior American envoys in Jerusalem.
According to President Trump, the first phase of the agreement will see the release of 48 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees. Trump stated that the exchange is expected to be completed by Monday or Tuesday. To ensure the deal’s implementation, Washington announced the deployment of 200 troops in the valley region to oversee security arrangements.
This comes amid ongoing Israeli air raids that killed at least 10 Palestinians and wounded 49 others in a single day, casting a shadow over the ceasefire talks. Local reports said a building collapsed following an airstrike, trapping several civilians under the debris. Despite the violence, both Israel and Hamas confirmed their commitment to the U.S.-backed ceasefire plan.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas gave his first interview in years to Israeli media earlier today.
He said he is hopeful about the ceasefire deal and wants lasting peace.
“What happened today is a historic moment. We have been hoping – and continue to hope – that we can bring an end to the bloodshed taking place in our land, whether in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, or East Jerusalem,” he told Israel’s Channel 12.
“Today, we are very happy that the bloodshed has ceased. We hope it remains this way, and that peace, security, and stability will prevail between us and Israel.”
Abbas said the Palestinian Authority has been working with US President Donald Trump to launch some reforms.
“Some have already been completed, and others are ongoing, until the PA becomes a model capable of continuing to lead the Palestinian people,” Abbas said.
Trump hailed the agreement as “the first step toward ending Gaza’s two years of bloodshed,” adding that 20 hostages have already released under preliminary terms. He expected to travel to the Middle East on Sunday to attend the official signing ceremony.
Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, speaking from exile, claimed that assurances for ending the war were received from United States, Turkey, and other Arab mediators. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan later confirmed that the U.S., Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt have formed a joint task force to oversee the peace plan’s implementation and tackle potential challenges.
The task force is reportedly working on Gaza’s reconstruction and administrative recovery, alongside efforts to stabilize the region’s fragile economy. United Nations humanitarian chief announced that food. And medical supplies to Gaza will increased significantly during the first 60 days of the ceasefire with hundreds of aid trucks expected daily to reach 2.1 million residents in need.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire deal, which was approved by the Israeli government a few hours ago.
“I very much welcome this breakthrough,” he says, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
“We have called for some time for a ceasefire for the release of hostages to be granted… we also need to talk about the day after, which requires a two-state solution.”
He also says US President Donald Trump “deserves congratulations for the leadership that the United States has shown”.
Moments after the ceasefire announcement, Gaza’s streets erupted in celebration. Residents waved flags, lit fireworks, and offered prayers of gratitude after years of relentless bombardment. Many described the day as “the return of life” to a city long suffocated by destruction and fear.
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In Tel Aviv, families of Israeli hostages gathered in Hostage Square, lighting candles and embracing one another in tears of relief. Trump personally called several hostage families to share the news of the ceasefire, sparking emotional scenes of hope and thanksgiving.
“We will continue our struggle until every hostage returns home,” said one family representative. “This is a moment of faith, unity, and gratitude — to everyone who helped stop the bloodshed.”
However, analysts remain cautious. They warn that the sustainability of this truce depends on both sides’ willingness to honor their commitments and rebuild trust. Many recall past peace efforts that collapsed midway.
