Israel Approves Gaza Ceasefire Deal, Ending Months of Conflict

Israel's government has officially ratified a ceasefire agreement to conclude the military conflict in Gaza, approving a comprehensive deal that includes prisoner exchanges and the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Palestinian territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the decision early Friday following an extensive cabinet meeting that saw overwhelming support for the peace arrangement despite opposition from several far-right ministers.

The Israeli cabinet voted decisively in favor of the agreement, with only five ministers opposing the measure – notably National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from the Jewish Power and Religious Zionism parties. According to Israel's public broadcaster KAN, the government's approval means the ceasefire takes immediate effect, initiating a process that will see Israeli military forces withdraw to designated positions within 24 hours.

Under the approved terms, Hamas is required to release all living Israeli captives within 72 hours following the initial Israeli withdrawal. The agreement represents the first phase of US President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan unveiled in September, which outlines a permanent ceasefire, exchange of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages, and complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. The deal emerged from four days of indirect negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh involving mediators from Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar under American supervision.

The second phase of the agreement envisions establishing a new governance structure in Gaza without Hamas participation, creating a security force comprising Palestinian and international troops from Arab and Islamic nations, and implementing Hamas disarmament. The plan also includes substantial reconstruction funding from Arab and Islamic sources with limited involvement from the Palestinian Authority. While regional powers have welcomed the agreement, officials note that numerous implementation details require further negotiation.