The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) hailed the Israel–Hamas ceasefire as a major relief and said it is prepared to rush large quantities of food, medicine, and essential supplies into Gaza. The organization emphasized the urgency of meeting the humanitarian needs of civilians who have endured months of shortages and conflict.
Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a U.S.-mediated ceasefire plan, which includes the release of all hostages in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces to an agreed line, and the release of some Palestinian prisoners.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the hostages are expected to be released on Monday. However, he did not address key points of the proposal, such as the disarmament of Hamas and the issue of future governance of Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene the cabinet today to put the agreement to a vote. The first phase can proceed only if it is approved by the government.
The agreement calls for the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the area.
The agreement has sparked celebrations in both Gaza and Israel, but residents on both sides have expressed concern that a comprehensive peace agreement may ultimately not be reached.
Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Qatar’s Al-Araby channel that Israel will withdraw militarily from all populated areas of Gaza, including Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Gaza City. He added that the withdrawal will take place tomorrow, since the release of hostages requires on-site arrangements and greater freedom of movement for Hamas members — meaning Israel must pull back first.
Hamdan, who is in Qatar and was not part of the talks in Egypt, confirmed reports that under the ceasefire agreement, 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees from Gaza arrested during the war will be released.
