Israel approves Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet on early Friday (October 10) has approved a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas in Gaza.

According to the BBC, Netanyahu called it a “historic moment” and thanked U.S. President Donald Trump, along with envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who were present at the cabinet meeting.

However, Al Jazeera reported that some right-wing Israeli parties opposed the deal. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned he would not support any government that allows Hamas to remain in power in Gaza.

Under the first phase of the deal, both sides will agree to a ceasefire. Hamas will release remaining Israeli hostages, and Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israel will also begin withdrawing troops from parts of Gaza and allow hundreds of aid trucks to enter daily.

President Trump said the hostage release could happen by Monday or Tuesday.

Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya stated that they received assurances from the U.S. and mediators that this deal marks a full end to the war.

Since the war began in October 2023, over 67,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with nearly 170,000 injured. Thousands more are believed to be buried under rubble.