Israeli govt approves ceasefire agreement in Gaza

Tel Aviv: The Israeli government has approved a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

According to international media reports, a cabinet meeting was held to approve the Gaza peace plan, which was attended by the Israeli Prime Minister and ministers, as well as US Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

According to a statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, the government has approved the agreement to release all hostages. With the approval of the plan, the ceasefire has now become effective. Most of the cabinet ministers voted in favor of the agreement.

The government has just now approved the framework for the release of all of the hostages – the living and the deceased.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 9, 2025

Under the agreement, the hostages will be released in exchange for the release of about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and a partial withdrawal of the Israeli army.

Media reports have stated that the Israeli army will now move to new positions inside the Gaza Strip, but will maintain control over about 53 percent of the area, after which 72 hours will be given, during which Hamas will release all the hostages.

This move is part of the first phase of US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan. Meanwhile, US officials said that 200 personnel will be deployed in Gaza under the joint task force. The joint force in Gaza will include soldiers from Egypt and Qatar, while no US soldiers will go to Gaza.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also said in an interview with Israeli TV that there is hope that peace, security, and stability will remain after the ceasefire. Today is a historic day. The bloodshed in Gaza and the West Bank has ended.

Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayyah, while talking to the media, said that today we declare an end to the war and a permanent ceasefire. We have received guarantees from the mediators and the US administration to end the war. Israel will release all Palestinian women and children.

Khalil al-Hayyah said that the agreement includes a clause to open the Rafah crossing to both sides. The ceasefire agreement will form the basis for permanent peace.