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Ceasefire and Hostage Deal Details
Israel approved the first phase of a ceasefire and hostage release under Donald Trump’s 20-point plan after two years in which Israel’s military killed tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza.
“The ceasefire... involves Hamas releasing about 20 hostages and Israel withdrawing troops from most of Gaza.”
The deal’s core is that Hamas will free about 20 Israeli hostages within roughly 72 hours in exchange for Israel releasing around 1,950–2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
At the same time, Israel will begin a withdrawal from most of Gaza and allow large-scale aid deliveries of up to 400 trucks daily.
Sources add that longer-term elements are under discussion, including Hamas transferring authority to technocratic administrators under international oversight.
The plan also includes the creation of a new security force and a U.S.-led reconstruction effort.
The agreement was mediated in Egypt with Qatar and Türkiye and awaits or has followed Israel’s cabinet approval to trigger precise timelines for releases and withdrawals.
Allegations of Gaza Atrocities
Multiple sources describe the past two years as a genocide in Gaza or accuse Israel of committing genocide.
Israel’s bombardment and ground campaigns have killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, including many women and children, and have driven famine conditions.
The UN and independent investigators have accused Israel of genocide.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants related to these events.
UN agencies warn of a man-made famine in the region.
Palestinians interviewed by international media explicitly call what Israel did in Gaza a genocide and a massacre.
Israel denies the genocide charge.
These deaths are the result of Israeli airstrikes, sieges, and ground operations that devastated civilian areas and infrastructure.
Hostage Release and Political Tensions
Inside Israel, far-right ministers criticized the prisoner releases and any agreement that does not result in the destruction of Hamas.
“Hamas... refuses to disarm... deal includes Hamas releasing 20 hostages within 72 hours... permits 400 aid trucks daily... gradual Israeli military withdrawal.”
Officials clarified that the 72-hour countdown for hostage release begins only after cabinet approval.
Sources differ on the number of hostages: some estimate about 20 living hostages to be freed quickly, while others say 48 captives remain in total, with many already deceased.
Importantly, this initial phase does not require Hamas to disarm, which is an Israeli demand that Hamas refuses.
As a result, major political disputes are postponed even as Israel starts withdrawing and aid efforts increase.
Gaza Deal and International Role
Trump’s team and regional mediators shaped the deal.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner helped broker terms in Egypt.
The plan envisions an international role—sometimes described as a Board of Peace led by Trump with Tony Blair—to oversee Gaza’s transition and reconstruction.
European leaders publicly praised Trump for the breakthrough.
Palestinian-rights groups and analysts warn that the Trump plan sidelines justice and risks foreign control that both the militant group governing Gaza and even Netanyahu have opposed in various forms.
The militant group governing Gaza says it prefers a Palestinian technocratic government under Palestinian Authority oversight rather than foreign administration.
Gaza Ceasefire and Conflict
Even as approvals moved, Israel kept bombing parts of Gaza, killing more Palestinians while crowds still celebrated the truce.
“Renewed bombardment over Gaza City caused thick smoke... residents across Gaza celebrated a newly announced peace deal.”
Reports show renewed bombardment over Gaza City and at least nine Palestinians killed after the announcement.
Multiple outlets note Israel intends to retain control over large sections of the Strip during the initial pullback.
Hostage families and many Palestinians expressed relief and hope.
Aid groups and journalists warn the ceasefire’s durability is uncertain unless Israel actually stops airstrikes, opens crossings, and enables sustained deliveries on the scale promised.