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Israel’s government has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas, paving the way to end two years of devastating war in Gaza. The agreement, ratified early Friday, is expected to halt hostilities within 24 hours and secure the release of Israeli hostages within three days. In return, Israel will free Palestinian prisoners and gradually withdraw its troops from Gaza under a U.S.-brokered plan led by President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the deal on social media, saying it covers both living and deceased hostages. The war, which has left more than 67,000 Palestinians dead and displaced hundreds of thousands, has also strained Israel’s international relations and tested its alliance with the United States. Trump, who had grown impatient with Netanyahu’s resistance to compromise, pushed hard for an agreement to end the prolonged conflict.
The news sparked scenes of joy on both sides. In Gaza, people celebrated the announcement, calling it a long-awaited end to bloodshed. “All of the Gaza Strip is happy,” said a resident of Khan Younis. In Israel, families of hostages gathered in Tel Aviv, expressing relief and disbelief after years of anguish. “I can’t breathe, I can’t explain what I’m feeling,” said Einav Zaugauker, whose son is among those held captive.
Under the agreement, humanitarian aid — including food and medicine — will flow freely into Gaza to support civilians living in dire conditions. Many have been forced to survive in tents after months of bombings that leveled homes and cities. Israeli attacks continued briefly on Thursday, killing seven people, but the violence has already slowed compared to previous weeks.
Despite widespread celebration, challenges remain. Hamas and Israeli negotiators are still finalizing the list of prisoners to be released, with Hamas demanding freedom for prominent figures and hundreds detained during Israel’s assault. Questions also linger over Gaza’s future governance and whether Hamas will be required to disarm — a key Israeli demand the group has so far rejected. Within Netanyahu’s coalition, far-right members like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have warned they may bring down the government if Hamas remains in power.
Trump is expected to travel to the Middle East on Sunday for a possible signing ceremony in Egypt. Israeli leaders have invited him to address the Knesset, which would make him the first U.S. president to do so since 2008. The deal has been welcomed by Arab and Western nations and hailed as a significant diplomatic success for Trump, who has faced pressure to deliver on his promise to bring peace to Gaza and Ukraine.
Plans are also underway for an international effort to rebuild Gaza once the ceasefire takes hold. Representatives from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates are expected to form a joint task force for stabilization. The U.S. will contribute 200 troops to the mission but will not deploy any personnel inside Gaza itself.
For now, the ceasefire marks the most hopeful moment since the conflict began in October 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. If the agreement holds, it could finally bring an end to one of the deadliest and most destructive chapters in the region’s history.