Israel approves Gaza ceasefire and hostage release plan

New Delhi, Oct 10: Israel’s government has formally approved a ceasefire and hostage release plan for Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced early Friday.

“The government has just approved the framework for the release of all the hostages, both the living and the deceased,” the statement said. Describing it as a “momentous development,” Mr Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump, along with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, both of whom attended the Israeli cabinet meeting.

According to the BBC, the agreement marks a significant breakthrough following weeks of intense negotiations in Cairo. A senior US official confirmed that a multinational monitoring force of around 200 troops, overseen by the US military, will supervise the Gaza ceasefire. The force will reportedly include personnel from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, with the role of “overseeing, observing, and ensuring no violations or incursions” of the truce.

The US will operate a Joint Control Centre to coordinate the multinational force, led by Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), BBC reported. The force will report to both Israel and Hamas—through Egypt and Qatar—on the situation on the ground and any potential breaches of the ceasefire, officials added. President Trump hailed the deal as “a turning point,” saying he expected Israeli hostages to be released “on Monday or Tuesday.”

What Happens Next

The cabinet’s approval sets in motion a series of steps expected to unfold over the coming days reports BBC:

1. Ceasefire Within 24 Hours:
The ceasefire in Gaza is expected to begin within 24 hours of cabinet approval, according to the prime minister’s office.

2. Partial Israeli Withdrawal:
Israeli forces will withdraw to a line that leaves them in control of roughly 53% of the Gaza Strip — the first of three stages in a phased withdrawal plan outlined by the White House.

3. Hostage and Prisoner Exchange:
A 72-hour countdown will begin following the start of the ceasefire. During this period, Hamas is required to release 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased captives. In return, Israel will release about 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and another 1,700 detainees from Gaza, a Palestinian source told the BBC. Israel will also return the bodies of 15 Gazans for each Israeli hostage’s remains, in accordance with Trump’s plan.

4. Humanitarian Aid Flow:
Hundreds of aid trucks will begin entering Gaza daily, providing food, medical supplies, and other essentials. UN-backed experts confirmed in August that parts of Gaza are already experiencing famine conditions.

The plan, backed by both Washington and regional mediators, aims to halt hostilities and pave the way for a broader political settlement. However, the durability of the truce, and the complex logistics of the hostage and prisoner exchanges, remain key challenges in the days ahead.