Tel Aviv, October 10, 2025 – In a landmark decision, the Israeli government approved in the early hours a comprehensive agreement aimed at securing the release of all hostages in the Gaza Strip, both living and deceased, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced.
“The government has just approved the framework for the release of all hostages—both living and deceased,” stated the Prime Minister’s office on X (formerly Twitter).
According to the agreement, the hostages will be released 72 hours after the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) withdraw from Gaza. The framework covers the liberation of the remaining 48 hostages held by Hamas, marking the first phase of the Trump peace plan for Gaza. The agreement also involves the release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian security prisoners in exchange and a partial redeployment of IDF forces.
A majority of cabinet ministers voted in favor, including far-right Religious Zionism Minister Ofir Sofer and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, despite opposition from other ministers in their parties.
The IDF will withdraw to newly designated lines, maintaining control over approximately 53% of Gaza’s territory. Following this, Hamas will have 72 hours to release all hostages.
The full agreement, titled “Implementation Steps for President Trump for a Comprehensive End to the Gaza War”, was signed in Egypt by Israel, Hamas, and international mediators. Key provisions include:
- Immediate ceasefire and announcement of war termination by the U.S. President.
- Unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
- Controlled IDF withdrawal within 24 hours.
- Exchange of hostages and prisoners with a confidential process.
- Establishment of an international monitoring team including the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and other agreed parties.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas expressed cautious optimism, calling it a “historic moment” and emphasizing the desire for peace, security, and stability between Palestinians and Israelis.
Hamas leader Khalil al-Haya confirmed the end of hostilities and guaranteed the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails, along with 1,700 Gazans detained since the start of the conflict.
Analysts view the agreement as the most substantial step towards a lasting ceasefire and a potential opening for broader geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
