Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday called the newly brokered Gaza ceasefire a “momentous development,” crediting U.S. President Donald Trump and his envoys for their crucial role in achieving the agreement between Israel and Hamas. The deal, which includes a hostage release framework, marks a major turning point in the long-standing conflict.
Shortly after his government approved the first phase of the U.S.-mediated peace plan, Netanyahu said Israel was close to fulfilling one of its central war aims — bringing home all hostages held by Hamas.
“In the last two years, we’ve fought to achieve our war aims. And a central one of these war aims is to return the hostages — all of them, the living and the dead. And we’re about to achieve that,” Netanyahu said.
Trump’s Role in the Ceasefire
Netanyahu expressed deep gratitude to President Trump and his peace delegation, crediting their diplomatic efforts for helping isolate Hamas and pave the way for an agreement.
“We couldn’t have achieved it without the extraordinary help of President Trump and his team — Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner. They worked tirelessly,” Netanyahu said, adding that combined military and diplomatic pressure had finally led to this breakthrough.
He personally thanked Witkoff and Kushner for their dedication, calling their contribution vital to both nations.
“We know that it’s for the benefit of Israel and the U.S., for the benefit of decent people everywhere,” he said.
The ceasefire plan, approved by Israel’s cabinet early Friday morning, represents the first phase of Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace proposal. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that it ensures the release of all hostages — living and fallen — in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and a partial Israeli military withdrawal inside Gaza.
The ceasefire is expected to take effect within 24 hours, with hostage releases beginning within 72 hours. The United States will deploy 200 troops to monitor the deal’s implementation, though Washington clarified that no American personnel will enter Gaza.
Palestinian Reaction
In a rare televised interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hailed the agreement as a “historic moment” and voiced optimism for lasting peace.
“We have been hoping — and continue to hope — that we can bring an end to the bloodshed taking place in our land, whether in Gaza, the West Bank, or East Jerusalem,” Abbas said. “Today, we are very happy that the bloodshed has ceased. We hope it remains this way and that peace, security, and stability will prevail between us and Israel.”
Abbas also confirmed that the Palestinian Authority has initiated internal reforms, in line with Trump’s call for greater administrative restructuring.
“I want to say honestly — we have launched reforms,” he stated.
The development has drawn cautious optimism from global leaders, with former U.S. President Barack Obama calling it a “moment to be encouraged and relieved,” and Israeli officials describing it as a “turning point” toward regional stability.