Here’s the lowdown on the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire 🕊️. Israel’s cabinet gave the green light on Friday, meaning fighting stops within 24 hours and hostages start coming home within 72 hours.
Under the deal, Israeli and Hamas negotiators—backed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace push—will swap Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. It also paves the way for a phased pullback of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Both Israelis and Palestinians celebrated the news, marking a huge step in a two-year conflict that’s claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives. Hamas’ Gaza chief, Khalil Al-Hayya, says he’s received guarantees from the U.S. and other mediators that the truce will hold.
Right after the approval, an Israeli spokesperson confirmed: 24 hours later, guns go quiet, and within 72 hours, 20 hostages believed alive should be freed (26 are presumed dead, two remain unaccounted for). Recovering the remains of those who died might take a bit longer.
Once the ceasefire kicks in, aid trucks loaded with food and medical supplies will roll into Gaza 🚚❤️. Hundreds of thousands of people who’ve been sheltering in tents—after their homes were destroyed—will finally see relief.
It’s a moment of cautious hope, but many are optimistic that this truce could be the start of real healing and a brighter future for Gaza’s people.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
