Israel’s cabinet approval of the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire with Hamas has set the stage for prisoner exchanges, troop withdrawals, and potential de-escalation after relentless devastation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed, “the government has just now approved the framework for the release of all of the hostages – the living and the deceased.”
The cabinet approval followed intense negotiations involving Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, alongside US President Donald Trump’s twenty-point peace plan designed to end two years of catastrophic conflict.
Under the framework, a suspension of hostilities will occur within twenty-four hours, while forty-eight Israeli captives, including twenty believed alive, will be released within seventy-two hours.
Trump welcomed the cabinet approval, declaring, “this is the beginning of everlasting peace,” while insisting wealthy Gulf states would “step up and put up money” for Gaza’s reconstruction.
Despite the approval, Palestinian families woke Thursday to more bombings. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported at least twenty-nine Palestinians killed and dozens injured in raids across the enclave.
Hamas accused Israel of “systematic massacres,” warning the attacks were intended “to undermine mediation efforts and block the agreement’s implementation” despite the approval of the ceasefire framework.
Still, Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya expressed cautious optimism, saying, “we have received assurances from mediators and the US administration that the war is completely over.”
For ordinary Palestinians, the approval has sparked mixed feelings. Asem Alnabih, Gaza City spokesman, remarked, “The reality on the ground has not changed despite the agreement.”
Tareq Abu Azzoum reported “families were cheering once they heard the news of the ceasefire after more than two years of devastation, destruction, displacement and broken promises.”
The approval includes exchanges of captives: 1,700 Palestinians from Gaza jails, 250 serving life sentences, alongside all Palestinian women and children detained by Israel.
However, Netanyahu’s government made clear that popular Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti would not be released, underscoring tensions that could overshadow the Israeli cabinet approval of the deal.
In Israel, the cabinet vote revealed deep divisions. Hardliners denounced prisoner releases as dangerous concessions, while moderates argued Israeli cabinet approval could ease international isolation and restore regional credibility.
Netanyahu’s office stressed the Israeli cabinet approval ensures security safeguards remain. Israel plans to keep control of more than half of Gaza even after troop pullbacks outlined under Trump’s plan.
Trump, who hopes to attend a signing ceremony in Egypt, framed Israeli cabinet approval as a diplomatic victory. “You sort of know what phase two is,” he teased.
Phase two, according to Trump, would involve Hamas disarmament and a full Israeli withdrawal. Yet skepticism remains whether Israeli cabinet approval signals true commitment to ending the war.
Middle East analyst Omar Baddar warned, “this is only phase one. There’s no guarantee Israel allows Gaza to be rebuilt after Israeli cabinet approval of the ceasefire.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Israeli cabinet approval, pledging the UN is prepared to “scale up aid delivery and advance recovery and reconstruction efforts” in devastated Gaza communities.
Yet humanitarian conditions remain catastrophic. Two years of siege and bombardment killed more than sixty-seven thousand Palestinians, destroyed infrastructure, and plunged Gaza into famine that experts call genocidal.
Prominent scholars and a UN inquiry already concluded Israel’s actions constitute genocide. Israeli cabinet approval of the ceasefire may slow violence but cannot erase devastation or mass suffering.
Hamas framed Israeli cabinet approval as proof of progress under mediation. However, it condemned ongoing bombings, demanding the US intervene to enforce compliance with the ratified ceasefire.
Palestinians in Gaza remain cautious. “Celebrations may not be the best course of action right now, especially since blood is still being shed,” one municipal spokesman explained.
For families of Israeli captives, the Israeli cabinet approval is momentous. “We’ve waited years for this moment,” said one relative. “Now we pray for their safe return.”
Across Israel, political reaction to cabinet approval has been fierce. Right-wing voices accuse Netanyahu of weakness, while moderates insist cabinet approval was a necessary compromise for survival.
International mediators welcomed the cabinet decision. Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey hailed Israeli cabinet approval as a breakthrough, urging all parties to honor commitments to maintain fragile stability.
Trump presented Israeli cabinet approval as validation of his diplomatic vision. “A small part of their wealth will do wonders for Gaza,” he insisted regarding Gulf donors.
However, critics argue his reconstruction promises lack specificity. Israeli cabinet approval alone cannot guarantee Gaza receives aid, especially with borders closed and humanitarian convoys frequently blocked.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s civil defense reported “forty people missing under rubble” in Sabra after an Israeli strike, highlighting contradictions between cabinet approval and realities of continuing devastation.
Analyst Marwan Bishara said Israeli cabinet approval is “the initial phase of the initial phase,” with disagreements over troop withdrawal, governance, and Hamas’s fate still unresolved.
Palestinian witnesses expressed hope but warned of betrayal. “We just want to breathe,” said one Gaza father. “Israeli cabinet approval means nothing if bombs keep falling.”
For now, Israeli cabinet approval provides a diplomatic pause rather than full peace. The second phase, demanding Hamas disarmament, could trigger new political and military confrontations.
Israel’s cabinet decision also reflects international pressure. Mounting accusations of genocide, famine declarations, and global protests forced leaders to consider alternatives to endless bombardment and occupation.
Still, critics warn Israeli cabinet approval might serve only to deflect pressure while Israel consolidates territorial control, continuing siege policies that keep Gaza’s population trapped and impoverished.
The deal’s success depends on enforcement. Without sustained international guarantees, Israeli cabinet approval may remain symbolic while fighting persists and Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens further.
For Trump, the Israeli cabinet approval is a political prize. For Netanyahu, it is a fragile maneuver. For Palestinians, it is fragile hope shadowed by despair.
The gamble is whether Israeli cabinet approval signals the beginning of genuine de-escalation or another cycle of temporary pauses before inevitable resumption of devastating violence and siege.
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