In a landmark development, Israel approved a temporary ceasefire agreement with Hamas early Friday, with hostilities in Gaza set to pause within 24 hours and Israeli hostages expected to be freed within 72 hours. The deal – mediated by international actors – includes an exchange of 20 detained individuals for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, according to sources close to the negotiations.
Humanitarian efforts will intensify immediately, with at least 400 aid trucks entering Gaza daily during the first five days of the truce. Supplies are projected to increase further as conditions stabilize. 'This ceasefire is about saving lives and reuniting families,' emphasized Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
While details of long-term peace efforts remain unclear, the agreement marks the first sustained pause in fighting since hostilities escalated last month. Analysts suggest the prisoner exchange could build tentative trust between parties, though challenges persist in addressing root causes of the conflict.
