Israel’s Cabinet has approved the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. Hamas accepted the plan on Thursday. The deal includes a complete ceasefire and the release of all 48 hostages held in Gaza, including 20 still alive.

Israel Confirms Approval

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the approval on Friday. “The government has just now approved the framework for the release of all of the hostages — the living and the deceased,” the statement said. The ceasefire will begin within 24 hours after both sides confirm the deal.

Trump Confirms Agreement

Trump announced on Thursday that Israeli and Hamas negotiators had agreed on the first phase during talks in Cairo. He said he would visit Egypt for the official signing. Trump added that all hostages would be released by “Monday” or “Tuesday.”

Questions Remain Over the Plan

Celebrations erupted in both Gaza and Tel Aviv after the announcement. However, doubts remain about Trump’s 20-point plan. It is unclear whether Hamas will disarm or give up control of Gaza as the deal demands.

An Israeli government spokesperson said the ceasefire would take effect 24 hours after Cabinet approval, while the release of hostages would follow within 72 hours. Reports also suggest the US military plans to send up to 200 troops to Israel. They will help manage aid, logistics, and stability efforts.

Two US officials confirmed the move. “They will not be in Gaza. No US boots on the ground in Gaza,” one of them said.

Violence Persists Despite Agreement

Even after both sides accepted the proposal, explosions continued in southern Gaza on Thursday. Trump called the development “the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.” He added, “It’s a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding nations, and the United States of America.”

Netanyahu Thanks Trump

After Cabinet approval, Netanyahu called the deal a “momentous development.” In a video message, he thanked Trump for his support.

“In the last two years, we’ve fought to achieve our war aims. And a central one of these war aims is to return the hostages. All of the hostages, the living and the dead. And we’re about to achieve that. We couldn’t have achieved it without the extraordinary help of President Trump and his team, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. They worked tirelessly,” Netanyahu said.

He praised the Israeli soldiers for their bravery. “That, and the courage of our soldiers who entered Gaza, had a combined military and diplomatic pressure that isolated Hamas. I believe these brought us to this point,” he said.

Netanyahu also thanked Witkoff and Kushner, saying they put forward both “your brains and your hearts.” He added, “We know that it’s for the benefit of Israel and the US, for the benefit of decent people everywhere.”

Abbas Welcomes the Deal

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the ceasefire in a rare interview with Israel’s Channel 12. He called it “a historic moment.”

“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,” Abbas said.

He added, “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.”

When asked about reforms mentioned in Trump’s 20-point plan, Abbas replied, “I want to say honestly – we have launched reforms.”

Trump and other global leaders have urged Abbas to reform the Palestinian Authority to ensure long-term stability in the region.