Israel Ratifies Ceasefire Outline and Hostage Release

On October 9, 2025, Israel’s cabinet officially approved the outline of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas, advancing a landmark proposal first introduced by former U.S. President Donald Trump. AP News+2AP News+2 This decision marks a potential turning point in the two-year-long conflict in Gaza. The Washington Post+2The Independent+2

The approved terms call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages—both living and deceased—and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces to predetermined lines. Reuters+3AP News+3AP News+3 Under the agreement, hostages are expected to be freed within 72 hours after Israeli forces reposition. The Guardian+1

Key Provisions and Unresolved Questions

• The plan envisions Israel’s military withdrawing from key population centers while maintaining control over roughly half of Gaza territory. Reuters+2The Guardian+2

• Israel will publish a list of Palestinian prisoners eligible for release in exchange for the hostages. AP News+2AP News+2

• Approximately 200 U.S. troops are set to monitor and oversee the truce, though they will not deploy inside Gaza. AP News+3The Guardian+3AP News+3

Still unresolved are core issues: how Hamas will disarm, who will govern Gaza going forward, and whether a lasting political agreement can be secured. Le Monde.fr+4AP News+4AP News+4

Impact on the Ground and Reactions

Within hours of approval, Israeli troops began repositioning along specified lines. Reuters+2AP News+2 In Gaza, some residents attempted to return home amid cautious optimism—though reports of ongoing shelling and unexploded ordnance tempered expectations. Reuters+2The Guardian+2 Relief agencies warned that the enclave faces a dire humanitarian crisis, with widespread destruction, shortages of food and medicine, and mass displacement. AP News+2Reuters+2

International actors welcomed the move cautiously. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the deal as a “significant step toward Palestinian statehood” while urging full humanitarian access and political follow-through. Reuters

Challenges Ahead

The plan’s success hinges on trust, verification, and implementation under pressure. Any violations could rapidly unravel the truce. The biggest test will be disarming Hamas and integrating Gaza into a viable governance framework. Meanwhile, families of hostages and civilians in Gaza await tangible progress.