Israel Approves Gaza Ceasefire-Hostage Release Soon

The Israeli government on early Friday approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of all remaining hostages. This comes roughly 24 hours after mediators announced an agreement to free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, in the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the two-year war in Gaza.

Agencies quoting Israeli government spokesperson say the ceasefire would go into force within 24 hours of government approval of the deal. After that 24-hour period, the hostages held in Gaza would be freed within 72 hours. Meanwhile US President Trump says Israeli hostages could be released on “Monday or Tuesday”.

As well as the ceasefire and hostages, the first phase of an agreement would also see Israel release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, Israeli troops beginning to withdraw from parts of Gaza, and hundreds of trucks of aid a day entering Gaza. (Agencies )