Live Updates: Security Cabinet Meets to Decide on Hostage Release Plan
Israel’s security cabinet convened a critical session to deliberate and vote on the first phase of the Gaza peace plan. The talks focus on the immediate hostage-release timeline and the conditions tied to the withdrawal of Israeli troops from large parts of Gaza. Government spokespersons indicated that after a 24-hour window, a 72-hour period would commence during which all hostages are expected to be released. The development marks a pivotal moment in a complex diplomatic effort amid ongoing conflict dynamics.
Key Points of the First Phase
The first phase of the plan centers on a staged sequence designed to reduce violence and create space for broader political negotiations. According to briefings cited by outlets including the Associated Press, Hamas would release 20 living Israeli hostages within the next few days, while the Israeli military would begin withdrawing from much of Gaza to a designated ceasefire line. The proposed arrangement envisions a transition in Gaza’s governance structure under international oversight, with a technocratic administration taking over certain operations, supervised by a multinational body led by figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
What Israel and Hamas Say
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the agreement on the first phase as a “diplomatic success” and a “national and moral victory” for Israel. In remarks posted on social media, he emphasized that Israel would not relent until every hostage could be returned home. Netanyahu also thanked President Trump for his leadership and partnership, praising the security and military actions that contributed to achieving the milestone.
Israel’s military leadership signaled readiness to adapt to evolving security needs, with commanders directing forces to prepare strong defenses and be prepared for a range of scenarios as events unfold. The mood within Israel’s political and security establishment underscored a shared aim: secure the release of hostages and preserve national security while exploring a longer-term peace framework.
Hamas Stance and International Involvement
Hamas publicly welcomed the agreement as a step toward ending the war in Gaza, describing it as a path to the occupation’s withdrawal and the entry of humanitarian aid, paired with a prisoner exchange. The group urged the United States to press Israel to implement the accord in full and expressed concern about potential delays or evasion in carrying out the terms. The international community’s role remains central, with observers and mediators seeking to ensure compliance and address humanitarian needs alongside security considerations.
Trump-Netanyahu Telephone Call: A Personal and Political Moment
Following the peace plan’s announcement, Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly had an “emotional and warm” phone conversation with President Trump. Netanyahu credited Trump’s leadership for enabling the deal and expressed gratitude for the alliance between the two nations. The call underscored the close cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem as negotiators work toward translating the plan’s first phase into tangible steps on the ground.
What Comes Next?
As the security cabinet votes and international monitors prepare to oversee the process, both sides face significant challenges. The immediate test will be whether Hamas adheres to the hostage-release timetable and whether Israel adheres to the agreed withdrawal schedule. Analysts warn that guarantees of lasting peace depend on sustained commitment beyond the first phase, with diplomacy likely to continue through additional stages that address security, governance, and humanitarian concerns for Gaza’s civilian population.
Why This Matters for Global and Regional Stability
The deal’s potential to alter the trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict carries implications for regional stability, U.S. diplomacy, and international norms on hostage rescue and civilian protection. While supporters highlight the possibility of a durable pause in fighting and a framework for humanitarian relief, critics caution that breakthroughs in messaging do not always translate into immediate changes on the ground. The coming days will reveal how the plan is implemented and whether it can withstand the pressures of ongoing violence and political rivalries.
