Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he will hold a government meeting today to approve the agreement with Hamas and the return of hostages from the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu described this day in a statement as “a great day for Israel,” affirming that it can continue to achieve its goals and strengthen peace with its neighbors.

According to Israeli law, the government must first approve any decision to release Palestinians from prisons as part of a prisoner exchange deal. If the cabinet votes in favor of the agreement, there will be a short period to file petitions to the Supreme Court to challenge the release decision, and the government cannot proceed until this legal hurdle is overcome.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a peace framework allowing the rapid release of all hostages.

Trump wrote on his platform “Truth Social”: “I am honored to announce the approval of Israel and Hamas on the first phase of our peace plan.”

He added: “This means that all hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its forces to an agreed line as initial steps towards a strong and lasting peace, and all parties will be treated fairly.”