Israel’s government approves full hostage-release deal and Gaza ceasefire, honoring Trump’s decisive mediation and Netanyahu’s steadfast leadership.
In the early hours of Friday morning, Israel’s government approved the framework for the complete release of all hostages — living and deceased — marking a dramatic turning point in the two-year Gaza war. The announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the ceasefire in Gaza has now taken effect following the decision.
The session — one of the most consequential in Israel’s modern history — saw American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner personally attend the Cabinet meeting, representing U.S. President Donald Trump, whose direct intervention proved crucial in sealing the agreement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visibly moved, addressed the room:
“We fought these two years to achieve our central war aim — the return of our hostages, the living and the dead. We could not have achieved this without the extraordinary help of President Trump and his team. They worked tirelessly — with brains, with heart — for Israel, for the United States, and for decent people everywhere.”
Netanyahu credited the courage of IDF soldiers, whose ground operation and relentless pressure on Hamas forced the terror group into submission.
Witkoff and Kushner lauded Netanyahu’s leadership and Israel’s resilience. Kushner stated:
“This would not have been possible without the bravery of the IDF and the Prime Minister’s unwavering resolve. Between you and President Trump, there was absolute alignment on how this had to end — with strength, not surrender.”
Witkoff echoed the sentiment:
“Hamas had no choice. Israel’s army, Israel’s people, and Israel’s leadership broke their will. You made the hard calls. And here we are — because Hamas had to yield.”
Despite opposition from several ministers, including Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, the government approved the deal, setting in motion Operation “Shavim L’gvulam” — “Returning to Their Border” — named after Jeremiah 31:16, which foretells the return of Israel’s exiles: “They shall return from the land of the enemy.”
Under the agreement, the IDF will withdraw to pre-designated lines within 24 hours, maintaining control over 53% of Gaza, while Hamas must release all hostages within 72 hours — living captives on Sunday, and the fallen on Monday.
The plan, crafted under Trump’s direction, also includes the release of 250 security prisoners, 1,700 Gaza detainees, and 22 minors, along with the return of 360 terrorist bodies to Gaza or abroad. Those convicted of murder or direct involvement in deadly attacks will be permanently barred from entering Israel or Judea and Samaria.
President Donald Trump is expected to land in Israel on Sunday, where he will address the Knesset, marking a moment of profound historical significance — the day when American diplomacy, Israeli resilience, and divine prophecy converged to bring the hostages home and end the war with honor.
