Israeli hostages could be released as early as Saturday under a U.S.-brokered plan to end the war in Gaza, according to a source briefed on the details of the agreement. The ceasefire deal part of President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace framework includes an Israeli partial military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip within 24 hours of signing.
The accord is expected to be signed at noon Israel time (0900 GMT) on Thursday, following approval by Israel’s security cabinet and government later the same day. The announcement comes just one day after the second anniversary of Hamas’ cross-border attack that triggered Israel’s devastating military campaign in Gaza, which has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza authorities.
While the ceasefire was widely celebrated across Gaza and parts of Israel, reports indicated that Israeli airstrikes continued in parts of Gaza City early Thursday, highlighting the fragile nature of the truce.
Why It Matters
If implemented, the deal would mark the most significant step toward ending the Gaza war since it began in 2023. The agreement represents a rare diplomatic breakthrough after months of failed mediation attempts and could ease regional tensions involving Iran, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthis.
For Trump, the deal constitutes a major foreign policy milestone, fulfilling his campaign pledge to “end endless wars.” For Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed it as a “diplomatic and moral victory,” while Hamas called it a triumph of Palestinian resistance and sacrifice.
However, the accord remains short on operational detail including the post-war governance of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and guarantees of security for Israel. Observers warn that without clear enforcement mechanisms, the truce could unravel, as has happened in previous ceasefire attempts.
United States: President Donald Trump hailed the deal as a “historic achievement,” saying that all hostages would be released “very soon” and that Israeli forces would withdraw to an agreed-upon line as part of a “durable and everlasting peace.”
Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement ensured that “all our hostages will be brought home,” calling it both a national and moral victory. Celebrations erupted across Israeli cities, particularly in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where families gathered to rejoice.
Hamas: The group confirmed that the ceasefire includes an Israeli troop withdrawal and a hostage-prisoner exchange, while emphasizing that it would not renounce its arms as long as Israeli forces occupy Palestinian land.
Palestinians and Regional Actors: Citizens in Gaza expressed relief and joy, with many describing the truce as the end of “bloodshed and killing.” Meanwhile, Arab governments supportive of the deal reiterated that any long-term peace must lead to the creation of a Palestinian state.
Market Reaction: Global oil prices fell, reflecting optimism that a lasting ceasefire could stabilize regional energy supplies.
What’s Next
Hostage releases are expected within 72 hours of Israeli approval, though Hamas has indicated it will take longer to recover the bodies of deceased captives from the rubble. Trump stated that the first releases could happen by Monday.
The next phase of the U.S. plan envisions an international administrative body for Gaza, led by Trump and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, to oversee reconstruction and governance. However, questions remain about who will govern Gaza, with Netanyahu, Trump, and Arab states rejecting Hamas’ continued role, while Hamas itself insists on Palestinian-led administration under technocrats supported by the Palestinian Authority and Arab nations.
As celebrations unfold, the deal’s durability will depend on both sides adhering to the ceasefire and progress toward a political solution that addresses long-standing issues of sovereignty, security, and self-determination.
With information from Reuters.
