Live Updates: Phase One of Gaza Ceasefire Set to Begin
News outlets are tracking a high-stakes, evolving ceasefire plan brokered with international mediation. As the full Israeli cabinet prepares to vote on the plan, the parties are outlining a sequence of steps that could redefine the Gaza conflict in the near term. This article provides the latest developments, context, and what to watch next.
Timeline of the First Phase
The agreement centers on a staged approach to de-escalation. Within 24 hours after government approval, Israeli military forces in Gaza would redeploy to a designated “yellow line” drawn as the initial withdrawal boundary. This line is illustrated in a map released by President Donald Trump on Truth Social in early October.
Within 72 hours of redeployment, 20 living Israeli hostages and 28 deceased hostages—including four non-Israeli victims—are slated for release from Gaza. In exchange, Israel would begin releasing Palestinian prisoners and detainees held by the Israel Prison Service or the Israel Defense Forces, along with 1,700 Gaza residents and 22 minors who are not accused of involvement in the October 7 attacks but were detained subsequently.
Contested Points and Political Reactions
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has signaled opposition to the government resolution that would facilitate hostage releases in exchange for Palestinian detainee releases. He described the prisoner releases as an “unbearable price” even as he welcomed what he called the commitment to dismantle Hamas’ control over Gaza. Other coalition dynamics remain tense as far-right lawmakers have warned they could topple the government if war aims fall short of defeating Hamas.
Public Demonstrations and Global Responses
The pause in fighting has energized demonstrations in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, reflecting both relief and ongoing concern for families of those still missing. Supporters have praised the United States’ role in brokering the agreement, with some displaying both Israeli and American symbols. Former hostages and their families have underscored that patience and vigilance are required as the plan moves through verify-and-implement phases.
Humanitarian and Psychological Impacts
Aid workers in Gaza describe persistent trauma and the need for long-term mental health support for both Gazans and Israelis affected by two years of conflict. Relief staff emphasize that even as hostages may be returned and prisoners released, livelihoods and housing in Gaza remain severely strained. NGOs warn that rebuilding and psychological healing will demand sustained international attention and resources.
International Leaders and the Path Ahead
Global leaders have weighed in, with former U.S. President Barack Obama welcoming the deal and signaling support for rebuilding Gaza in conjunction with a broader peace process. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the fragility of any ceasefire and urged unhindered humanitarian aid and careful diplomacy to prevent a relapse into fighting. President Trump described a possible path to lasting peace, while also acknowledging that some issues beyond phase one would require follow-on agreements.
Next Steps: What to Expect
Key questions remain about disarmament, verification, and the precise sequencing of trust-building measures. If the plan holds, an initial Israeli withdrawal line will be tested in Gaza, with hostage releases expected to unfold within days. The international community will monitor compliance, humanitarian access, and the fate of detainees as negotiations attempt to move beyond phase one toward a longer-lasting arrangement.
Washington, Tel Aviv, and Beyond: The Risk and Reward
Strategists warn that even with a successful phase one, promising ceasefire rhetoric must translate into stable governance on the ground. The plan’s reception across the region will hinge on practical steps to protect civilians, secure aid corridors, and maintain pressure on all sides to prevent a relapse into hostilities. As leaders prepare for votes and signings, the world watches closely for how this moment could reshape Middle East diplomacy and daily life for countless families affected by the conflict.
