Jerusalem (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A ceasefire in Gaza has been agreed, with hostages to be freed in 72 hours and Israel set to withdraw troops within 24 hours of approval.
As reported by The Telegraph, Israel confirmed the Gaza ceasefire will begin within 24 hours of cabinet approval of the deal.
Hostages release under the new Gaza ceasefire
The Egypt-signed deal at 10 am BST halts the fighting, promises the release of all 20 hostages soon, and mandates Israel’s partial military withdrawal from Gaza.
Israel’s cabinet will vote at 5 pm BST on the “first phase” of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan.
Hamas must release the surviving hostages within 72 hours in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and also hand over the bodies of 28 captives.
A source confirmed that all the hostages are expected to be freed in a single operation, “as soon as possible.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the ceasefire will come into effect this evening, after the deal is approved at 3 pm BST.
The prime minister’s office added,
“Contrary to Arab media reports, the 72-hour countdown will begin only after the agreement is approved in the cabinet meeting, which is expected in the evening hours.”
After the agreement is approved, Israel will have 24 hours to withdraw partially from Gaza, moving back to an “agreed upon line.”
Hamas’ views on the prisoner dispute threatening the Israel deal
A Hamas official said that disagreements over Israel’s planned release of Palestinian prisoners could threaten the agreement.
Mahmoud Mardawi stated,
“It seems Netanyahu is trying to sabotage the ceasefire agreement before its implementation, by reneging on prisoner release lists in an attempt to derail the understandings.”
What did Yvette Cooper say about the UK’s role in the Gaza peace plan?
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper says Britain “stands ready to play its part” in Gaza peace plan.
She confirmed that the UK will assist with both the initial phase to end fighting in Gaza and the ongoing work in phase two.
Ms Cooper stated,
“Because that work will continue as nations across the world come together to support a just and lasting peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike.”
The Foreign Secretary added,
“We have seen some of the images of relief and hope on the streets of Gaza and on the streets of Israel overnight, and all nations will want to make sure that that is turned into reality.”
Nigel Farage’s views on Donald Trump’s Middle East achievement
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described Donald Trump’s recent Middle East efforts as a “great achievement.”
He stated,
“Huge congratulations to President Trump and his team. Real progress between Israel and Hamas is a great achievement.”
Last month, Mr Farage spoke out against Britain recognising Palestinian statehood and did not rule out “de-recognising” it.
What did Keir Starmer say about Trump’s role in the Gaza peace plan?
During a visit to India, the British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the initial phase of the Gaza peace plan “would not have happened without President Trump’s leadership.”
When questioned about whether Mr Trump deserves a Noble Peace Prize, Mr Starmer responded,
“This is a very significant step forward and it would not have happened without President Trump’s leadership on this.”
He added,
“And I want to be really clear about that and I say that from the informed position of the UK having played a part behind the scenes in this with the US and with the mediators. What matters now is to press on and implement this.”
What did hostage families say about the Israel-Hamas agreement?
Hostage families and former detainees have expressed support for the recently reached agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Adam Ma’anit’s cousin, Tsachi, was kidnapped on October 7 and later killed by Hamas, said,
“The news that a deal has finally been reached to bring home the remaining 48 hostages is what we have been hoping and fighting for throughout these painful two years.”
He added,
“It’s impossible to describe the mix of relief and heartbreak we feel – relief that they may at last come home, and heartbreak that for some, it will be for burial […] We couldn’t bring my cousin Tsachi home alive, so this is a bittersweet day for our family. But the hostage families have become part of our extended family – their joy is our joy, and their pain is our pain.”
Ada Sagi, held by Hamas for over 50 days, and her son Noam added,
“This is an extraordinary day and our hearts are racing to welcome them home. We will envelope them with love, with the warmth they’ve been denied for too long. Trump has shown that the impossible can be made possible.”
Key points of the Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan
- Gaza will be transformed into a deradicalized, terror-free zone without threat to neighbors.
- Immediate ceasefire with Israeli forces repositioning to an agreed line.
- All hostages, living and deceased, freed within 72 hours of agreement.
- Amnesty offered to Hamas members who disarm and commit to peaceful coexistence.
- Substantial humanitarian aid and Gaza redevelopment to benefit the residents.
- Gaza to be run temporarily by a neutral Palestinian committee
