Israel Approves First Step of Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire Plan: 50 Hostages to Be Freed in 72 Hours
In a dramatic turn after months of relentless conflict, Israel has agreed to the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, marking a potential turning point in one of the world’s most volatile regions. The Israeli cabinet gave its nod late Thursday to a 24-hour pause in fighting and a phased withdrawal of troops from select areas inside Gaza.
Hamas, in return, is set to release nearly 50 hostages alive within the next 72 hours, as part of a broader deal that includes the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and three months of humanitarian aid for Gaza’s civilian population.
The move, confirmed by officials in both Jerusalem and Washington, signals the beginning of what could become the most ambitious U.S.-brokered Middle East peace initiative in years.
The Core of the Agreement
According to insiders, the ceasefire plan consists of 20 key points, covering areas such as disarmament, reconstruction, and international oversight.
The first phase now approved centers on halting hostilities for 24 hours, creating safe corridors for humanitarian deliveries, and starting the initial troop withdrawal from populated zones in northern and central Gaza.
In a joint statement, Israel’s defense ministry noted that this phase “aims to build a foundation for a longer cessation of violence,” while “ensuring that Hamas complies with its commitments under international supervision.”
Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Robert O’Brien, said the plan is designed to create “a sequence of trust-building steps where both sides move gradually not in one sweeping leap.”
Hostages for Prisoners: The Human Exchange
Perhaps the most emotional part of the deal is the hostage exchange framework. Hamas has agreed to free around 50 Israeli and foreign hostages, reportedly including women and children, in exchange for the release of several hundred Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.
Sources suggest that the exchange will happen in small groups over 72 hours, with Red Cross personnel facilitating the transfers under international monitoring.
A senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said,
“It’s not an easy decision. But bringing our people home alive is a moral duty. The cabinet reached this decision after deep deliberation and careful risk assessment.”
For many Israelis, this exchange rekindles memories of past deals including the Gilad Shalit case in 2011 but this time the context is much broader, linked to an overarching peace initiative.
Humanitarian Aid and Monitoring Role
Alongside the ceasefire, the United States and several partner nations are launching a three-month humanitarian assistance program for Gaza. The plan includes food, water purification systems, and medical supplies, aimed at stabilizing life for the roughly two million civilians trapped in dire conditions.
U.S. personnel, along with observers from the United Nations and Egypt, will monitor the ceasefire implementation, disarmament process, and aid delivery.
A senior U.S. defense official told QuickTidings.com,
“Our personnel won’t be combatants, but they will serve as monitors to ensure accountability on both sides. This plan only works if transparency is maintained.”
The White House also confirmed that funding for the aid operation would come partly from previously frozen development grants, reallocated to emergency relief.
Phased Disarmament and Gaza Reconstruction
The later phases of the plan still pending approval involve phased disarmament of Hamas and a comprehensive reconstruction blueprint for Gaza, focusing on rebuilding homes, schools, and hospitals destroyed during the recent bombardments.
While details remain classified, sources familiar with the draft suggest that Qatar and Saudi Arabia may participate financially, provided Hamas complies with the disarmament clauses and international oversight mechanisms.
Israeli analysts have described this as “the most structured peace proposal since the Oslo Accords,” though skepticism remains over whether Hamas will fully honor its commitments.
Security expert Yael Ben-David commented,
“Disarmament sounds good on paper, but in Gaza, enforcement has always been the challenge. Unless the U.S. or another neutral power ensures verification, this might end up as another temporary lull.”
Mixed Reactions and Political Ripples
Reactions across the political spectrum have been divided. While Israel’s centrist and left-leaning politicians welcomed the move as a “step toward stability”, right-wing members criticized the government for “trusting a terrorist organization again.”
In Gaza, thousands reportedly gathered in parts of Khan Younis and Rafah as news of the deal spread. For many, the promise of food, medicine, and calm even if temporary brought cautious optimism.
“We’ve lost too much. If this pause brings a single day of peace, it’s worth it,” said Ahmed Al-Masri, a local teacher speaking to independent media.
In Washington, President Trump called the development “a positive signal that both sides are finally choosing peace over endless war.” His administration views this success as part of a broader push to secure legacy-defining diplomatic breakthroughs before the next U.S. election cycle.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the breakthrough, officials and analysts agree that implementation will be the real test. Similar deals in the past have collapsed within days due to mistrust, ceasefire violations, or political disagreements.
Israel’s defense establishment has reportedly prepared contingency plans in case Hamas fails to uphold its side of the deal. At the same time, U.S. diplomats are urging restraint and dialogue, warning that any premature military action could unravel months of negotiation.
“The first 72 hours will be critical,” said an Israeli security analyst. “If both sides stay calm and hostages are released as promised, the chances of expanding the truce will rise dramatically.”
The Road Ahead
For now, all eyes are on Gaza. The next three days could determine whether this becomes a new chapter in Middle East peace or another fleeting truce in a long cycle of conflict.
If the ceasefire holds, it will pave the way for broader talks on demilitarization, reconstruction, and long-term security guarantees, with the U.S. acting as chief mediator.
After years of deadlock, mistrust, and bloodshed, even a single day without war feels like progress. And for those caught between politics and rubble, hope however fragile is finally making a comeback.