Ceasefire Approved: Israel and Hamas Reach Deal to End Two-Year Gaza War, Secure Hostage Release
Cairo, Egypt – In a landmark decision early Friday, Israel’s Cabinet approved the outline of a ceasefire plan brokered by former President Donald trump, paving the way for an end to the devastating two-year conflict in the Gaza Strip and the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. The agreement marks a critical turning point in a war that has brought the Middle East to the brink of wider instability and inflicted unimaginable suffering on both Israelis and palestinians.
While details remain fluid, the approved “outline” focuses initially on the release of hostages, a key demand of Israel throughout the conflict. The broader ceasefire plan, however, addresses complex issues such as the disarmament of Hamas and the future governance of Gaza – questions that remain largely unanswered.
The war, ignited by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel – which resulted in 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals – has exacted a horrific toll. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 170,000 wounded,wiht roughly half of the fatalities being women and children. the territory has been reduced to rubble, and parts of it are facing famine.
WATCH: Gazans and Israelis celebrate ceasefire deal with hopes for lasting peace
Despite the promising development, fighting continued in the hours leading up to the Cabinet vote. Israeli strikes in northern Gaza and Gaza City resulted in further Palestinian casualties, with at least 11 deaths and 49 injuries reported in the past 24 hours. Hamas condemned the strikes, accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu of attempting to undermine the mediation efforts.
**Key Elements of the Ceasefire Deal (as outlined by Hamas
