Israeli captives could potentially be freed as early as Saturday as part of a U.S. initiative to conclude the conflict in Gaza. A source familiar with the agreement’s details revealed that Israel’s military would commence a partial withdrawal from the territory within 24 hours of finalizing the deal.
The official signing of the agreement is slated for noon Israel time (0900 GMT) on Thursday. Israel’s security cabinet and government are scheduled to convene at 5 pm Israel time (1400 GMT) to discuss the terms of the deal.
In response to President Trump’s announcement regarding a ceasefire and hostage resolution as part of the initial phase of his Gaza peace plan, both Israelis and Palestinians celebrated. Despite this development, reports from residents indicated that Israeli airstrikes persisted in three Gaza City suburbs overnight and into Thursday morning. Witnesses observed columns of smoke rising over Shejaia, Tuffah, and Zeitoun, although no casualties were reported.
Following indirect negotiations in Egypt, a preliminary agreement was reached on Trump’s 20-point peace framework for Gaza. If fully enforced, this accord would represent a significant step toward ending a conflict that has not only claimed numerous lives but also embroiled various regional players including Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon.
The announcement of the ceasefire and hostage deal by President Trump lacked specific details, raising concerns about its sustainability. Trump, in a statement on Truth Social, declared that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of the Peace Plan, leading to the imminent release of all hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to a predetermined demarcation line.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the approval of the initial phase of the plan as a diplomatic triumph and a moral victory for Israel. Meanwhile, Hamas disclosed that the deal encompassed a swap involving prisoners and hostages, underscoring the complexity of the situation.
The conflict has significantly altered the dynamics in the Middle East, with Israel gaining the upper hand through targeted operations against Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, as well as Iranian military figures and Houthi rebels in Yemen.