Gaza Latest: Israel Government Approves Hostage Deal

Ceasefire Agreement & Hostage Release - Both sides have formally signed off on a ceasefire deal, initiated shortly after President Trump's peace plan announcement [2] - The initial phase involves a 24-hour repositioning of Israeli forces within the Gaza Strip, not a full withdrawal, to maintain control and protect against renewed Hamas attacks [3] - Hamas requires time and space to locate and recover hostages, including those killed during the October 7th attack or in captivity [3] - Hostages are expected to be returned to Israel within 72 hours, a move anticipated to be met with relief, albeit tinged with grief [4] Humanitarian Aid & Monitoring - Humanitarian aid to Gaza will be substantially increased, providing relief to Palestinians and allowing for increased movement within the Gaza Strip [6] - A monitoring mechanism will be implemented to ensure the ceasefire remains in place, particularly in the later stages of the peace plan [6] Future Prospects & Challenges - The peace plan aims for broader peace in the Middle East, with potential for Arab Muslim states to normalize relations with Israel [7] - Discrepancies exist regarding the long-term goals, with some aides discussing a permanent ceasefire, while Hamas's disarmament remains a point of contention [8] - The success of the plan hinges on Hamas's willingness to decommission its weapons, a requirement that may face resistance [8]