Israel approves Gaza ceasefire deal as hostages' release begins, US to oversee truce

Israel's cabinet approved the framework for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages, paving the way for what officials describe as a path toward ending a ruinous two-year war. The plan also signals a broader American role, with troops expected to oversee the truce as talks continue in Egypt. The ceasefire took effect at noon local time, and Israeli forces withdrew to agreed deployment lines. Troops and armored vehicles pulled back from forward positions in Gaza City and Khan Yunis, while displaced Palestinians began to return home. Families of hostages taken on October 7 awaited news on the prisoner swap. In remarks tied to the deal, Basem Naim, a Hamas official, credited President Trump for facilitating the agreement but said Tony Blair would not be welcome in any post-war Gaza role. Naim urged Trump to keep pressing Israeli leadership to fulfill obligations and to apply international law to help ensure the plan holds. Hamas signaled it would be willing to step aside for a Palestinian body to govern a post-war Gaza, but said it would remain on the ground. The group also handed over lists of names for the prisoner exchange as talks in Egypt moved forward. On the ground, Gaza residents expressed cautious optimism. A 32-year-old resident, Ameer Abu Lyadeh, told AFP that people were returning to their areas with wounds and sorrow, yet hopeful that life could begin to heal. Analysts say the framework aims to end a war that has destabilized West Asia, but significant questions remain about how fully the terms can be implemented and what happens if any side fails to uphold promises. For now, thousands of civilians are set to return home as negotiators in Egypt work out remaining details.

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