Following the announcement that Israel and Hamas finalized a deal to end the war in Gaza and return the hostages home, numerous steps remain in implementing the phased agreement.
Israel’s political-security cabinet and government are set to meet today to finalize approval of the first phase of the agreement.
The cabinet was scheduled to convene at 3:00 p.m., followed by a government meeting an hour later. The approval will authorize the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails as part of what officials describe as “the first phase of the plan.” Other elements of the broader agreement will not be voted on today, since the cabinet has already endorsed what officials call the “five principles” of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace framework, which outlines steps for ending the Gaza war.
Once the government vote passes, Israel will be required to withdraw its forces within 24 hours to a designated line agreed upon with Hamas. The redeployment is expected to leave the Israel Defense Forces in control of roughly 53 percent of the Gaza Strip.
Following cabinet approval, a 72-hour countdown will begin. By the end of that window, Hamas must release all hostages “in one fell swoop and without public ceremonies,” according to the terms of the agreement. Israeli officials estimate that 20 hostages in Gaza are alive, while another 28 are believed dead. Hamas has reportedly claimed uncertainty about the whereabouts of nine of the deceased.
The release of the hostages swiftly and unceremoniously is the answer to every Jew’s prayers. Families and friends rejoice, and Hamas will no longer be holding the “trump” card that has prolonged hostilities for so long. This joy, however, comes at an incredibly steep price. Israel’s release of 1,700 prisoners, 250 who are serving life sentences for absolutely heinous acts sets the stage for more violence. The release of these criminals into Gaza and Judea and Samaria is bound to bring more bloodshed, terrorism and please g-d forbid, more hostage taking. Hamas and the equally terrorist PIJ and Fatah will have renewed leadership.
Where is the ‘total victory” Israel has been fighting so long to achieve?
Source:
The Timetable of Steps to End the War, by Pesach Benson/TPS-IL, October 9, 2025