Overview of the Cabinet’s decision
The Israeli Cabinet has endorsed a ceasefire and hostage-release framework backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to halt the deadly Gaza conflict that began after Hamas’ October 7 attack. The plan envisions a phased return to calm, subject to a set of conditions about prisoner swaps, border access, and international supervision. As the vote occurred, violence in Gaza persisted, underscoring the fragile nature of any immediate pause in hostilities.
What Hamas says the deal includes
Hamas’ senior negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, outlined a package that includes the release of around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and the reopening of the border crossing with Egypt. He said aid would be allowed into Gaza and Israeli forces would withdraw in a staged manner. Al-Hayya also claimed that all women and children held in Israeli jails would be freed, asserting that the “war and aggression against our people” could be ended by this agreement. These statements set a framework for negotiations, even as questions remain about the details and verification mechanisms.
U.S. and international role
U.S. officials indicated that roughly 200 American troops would be deployed to Israel to support and monitor the ceasefire as part of a broader international effort. The plan envisions an international force, with many troops from Arab and Muslim-majority countries, to handle internal security, while the United States would lead a reconstruction-funded initiative. A long-term Palestinian state and governance model remain vaguely defined in the plan, with Netanyahu reportedly rejecting a fully outlined solution, complicating any path to durable peace.
Implementation details and immediate effects
Under the terms, Hamas would release hostages living in Gaza in the coming days, with Israel beginning a phased withdrawal. The agreement, expected to be signed in Egypt, would include a list of prisoners to be freed and maps detailing the first phase of Israeli troop movements. Families of hostages were watching closely, with many still holding out hope for progress even as the broader humanitarian situation remains dire.
Border reopenings and aid delivery
Five border crossings, including Rafah with Egypt, are slated to reopen. The UN estimates indicate that up to 170,000 metric tons of aid and supplies are ready for delivery to Gaza once the necessary approvals are secured. The plan also suggests a more open-ended Israeli military presence along the Gaza border, paired with an international security framework to manage the territory’s internal dynamics while aid and reconstruction move forward.
Key questions and potential stumbling blocks
While the ceasefire proposal lays out a roadmap for prisoner releases, border access, and international involvement, critical questions linger regarding Hamas disarmament, the future political arrangements for Gaza, and the role of the Palestinian Authority. The plan offers limited detail on a viable, lasting Palestinian state or governance structure, raising concerns about long-term stability beyond a temporary ceasefire. Humanitarian needs, accountability for violence, and regional diplomacy will all shape whether this agreement translates into durable calm or another cycle of escalation.
Human impact and public reaction
In Gaza, communities continued to mourn casualties, with many families torn apart by destruction and displacement. In Israel, relatives of hostages expressed cautious relief as the prospect of releases emerged. International observers warn that any pause in fighting must be matched by credible security guarantees and sustained aid to prevent a rapid relapse into conflict.
What comes next
Analysts say the next days will be decisive: the precise list of prisoners to be released, the timing of troop withdrawals, and the setting up of the international security and reconstruction framework will test both sides’ willingness to restrain violence. As negotiations proceed, the broader questions about Hamas disarmament and Gaza’s political future remain unresolved, shaping the ultimate success or failure of the Trump-backed ceasefire plan.
