Israel set to approve and implement the first phase of President Trump’s Gaza peace plan — exchanging prisoners for hostages and ending the war’s darkest chapter.
In a historic turning point after two years of war and anguish, Israel and Hamas are preparing to implement the first phase of President Donald Trump’s peace and hostage release plan, marking the beginning of the end of one of the bloodiest conflicts in recent memory.
According to Israeli officials, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet will convene at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, followed by a government meeting an hour later, to approve the initial stage of the deal — a prisoner-hostage exchange forming the foundation of Trump’s 20-point peace framework.
While this stage does not finalize all remaining terms, it represents a critical milestone toward restoring stability in the region and reuniting the 49 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza with their families.
Upon approval, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will begin a coordinated withdrawal to a predetermined line — reportedly close to the “yellow line” outlined in President Trump’s plan — to be completed within 24 hours. The withdrawal includes an exit from Gaza City, recently retaken during Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, while Israel retains control over 53% of Gaza’s territory to ensure security oversight.
Once the IDF completes the withdrawal, a 72-hour countdown will begin. Hamas is then required to release all hostages in a single phase, without public ceremonies. Intelligence sources suggest that living hostages will be freed on Sunday, followed by the return of the fallen on Monday — a day Israelis hope will mark both closure and rebirth.
President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Israel on Sunday and address the Knesset, a symbolic gesture underscoring America’s direct role in orchestrating the agreement that has reshaped the Middle East diplomatic landscape.
Egyptian mediators told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that, under the terms of the deal, the Rafah crossing will reopen in both directions, and 600 humanitarian aid trucks will enter Gaza daily. However, Israeli officials clarified that no Nukhba terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre, nor the four senior Hamas operatives previously demanded by the terror group, will be released.
In a statement, Hamas said it was “awaiting final agreement on the list of prisoners,” adding that “the prisoners and their families remain at the heart of our priorities.”
For Israel, however, the message is clear — humanity and justice prevail over terror. Netanyahu reaffirmed the nation’s unity of purpose, stating:
“With God’s help, we will bring them all home.”
As the world watches, Israel stands at the threshold of both redemption and resolve — determined to close the wounds of October 7 while ensuring never again becomes an eternal reality.
