The Israeli government has officially approved a US-brokered ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, marking a potential turning point in the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza. The agreement, mediated with support from Egypt and Qatar, was ratified by Israel’s cabinet early on Friday morning, triggering a 24-hour window for the Israeli army to begin withdrawing to pre-agreed deployment lines inside Gaza. The Israel army said on Friday that the Gaza ceasefire came into effect at 0900 GMT.
Following the army’s repositioning, Hamas is expected to release all 48 remaining hostages – 20 believed to be alive, 26 presumed dead and 2 unaccounted for – within a 72-hour timeframe. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the outline of the deal had been unanimously approved, expressing gratitude to US special envoy Steve Witkoff and former White House advisor Jared Kushner for their diplomatic efforts.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hoped Israel would mark a "day of national joy" starting Monday night, "Citizens of Israel, two years ago, the Simhat Torah holiday became a day of national mourning," he said Friday in a televised statement, referring to the Jewish festival that begins at nightfall on Monday.
"This Simhat Torah, with God's help, will be a day of national joy, celebrating the return of all our brothers and sisters held hostage," he added, adding that Israel believes 20 hostages remain alive in Gaza, while 28 are deceased.
US and Regional Oversight
In Washington, senior officials confirmed that the US military would deploy a 200-person task force, under the command of Admiral Brad Cooper of US Central Command, to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire. The personnel will not enter Gaza but will be stationed in neighboring countries and Israel to monitor compliance, coordinate with regional partners and facilitate the hostage exchange process.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper clarified on Friday to the BBC that neither the UK nor European countries planned to send troops to Gaza, emphasizing that the ground monitoring operation would rely on the US and neighboring regional militaries. Egyptian, Qatari, Turkish and Emirati officers are expected to be embedded within the US-led team.
Israeli Army Begins Withdrawal Amid Caution
As of Friday afternoon, the IDF began its partial withdrawal under the cover of artillery fire and targeted airstrikes. The military stated that the strikes were aimed at “eliminating immediate threats” to withdrawing troops. A reservist, 26-year-old Mordechai Nachmani, was killed in a Hamas sniper attack in Gaza City during this phase.
The withdrawal, expected to conclude by Friday night, will leave Israel in control of approximately 53% of the Gaza Strip, primarily rural and non-urban areas, including a wide buffer zone along the Gaza-Israel border, the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egyptian border, and sections of Rafah and Khan Younis in the south.
The Times of Israel reported that Gaza’s civil defense service has issued an urgent warning to residents not to approach conflict zones or army positions until an official announcement is made regarding the full withdrawal. “Violating this warning puts your life at risk,” read a statement circulated on Telegram, urging compliance to allow safe operations by emergency services.
The Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army issued an urgent statement on Friday at noon addressed to the residents of the Gaza Strip, outlining the terms of the ceasefire’s implementation. He warned the population not to approach Israeli army positions, which will remain deployed in certain areas of the territory “until further notice.”
The statement noted that movement between the south and north of the enclave is now permitted via the coastal road (al-Rashid Road) and Salah al-Din Road. It also emphasized the danger of approaching several areas – including Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and Shuja’iya in the north – as well as the Rafah crossing, the Philadelphi Corridor, and Israeli army positions in Khan Younis. Adraee further warned against any maritime activities, such as fishing, swimming, or diving, and reiterated that approaching the Israeli border or the buffer zone remains strictly prohibited.
Celebrations and Skepticism
News of the ceasefire and upcoming hostage releases sparked cautious optimism across Israel and Gaza. Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, waving Israeli and American flags, while in Gaza, displaced residents expressed emotional relief at the possibility of peace after nearly two years of bombardment and hardship.
However, uncertainty remains over critical components of the broader ceasefire plan, part of a 20-point framework introduced by US President Donald Trump last month. While the first phase focuses on de-escalation and humanitarian aid, future phases are expected to address more contentious issues, including Hamas' disarmament and governance of Gaza.
According to the Guardian, Hamas' political chief in exile, Khalil al-Hayya, said the group had received “clear guarantees” from mediators that the war is over. Yet, senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan publicly rejected proposals involving a transitional authority for Gaza led by Trump or a US-backed administration, stating, “No Palestinian would accept this.”
Trump to Visit Israel Monday
President Trump is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday morning for a brief but symbolic visit, during which he will address the Knesset before the start of the Simchat Torah holiday. According to Channel 12, Trump will not remain in Israel overnight and is unlikely to visit Hostages Square, despite calls from families of captives.
Trump’s visit follows months of direct US involvement in pushing forward a ceasefire plan and attempting to rally regional and international support. The White House confirmed Trump’s speech will underscore his administration’s role in ending the conflict and advancing a new regional security framework.
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