The Israeli cabinet has approved a framework for releasing hostages held in Gaza, with the first exchanges scheduled for Monday, local time, marking a critical juncture in the two-year conflict following Hamas’s acceptance of the deal negotiated in Egypt on Thursday morning. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Federal Parliament on October 9, 2025, that his government welcomes the agreement as “a ray of light,” while setting firm conditions that Hamas must disarm and play no role in Gaza’s future governance.
Ceasefire Timeline and Implementation: The Israeli government confirmed the ceasefire will take effect 24 hours after cabinet approval, with the Israel Defense Forces stating they have “begun operational preparations” to withdraw to adjusted deployment lines outside major Gaza cities. US President Donald Trump told reporters hostages could be released “Monday or Tuesday” due to logistical challenges in recovering captives. Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner attended the Israeli cabinet meeting alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with BBC reporters confirming Netanyahu received applause when the envoys entered.
Prisoner Exchange Details: Hamas claims it secured the release of 250 prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails, 1,700 Palestinians detained after October 7, 2023, and all women and children in Israeli detention. The Israeli government confirmed Palestinian prisoners will return to Gaza and the West Bank but stated political leader Marwan Barghouti—serving five life sentences for involvement in attacks against Israelis—will not be released. Israel also announced it will not return the bodies of Hamas leaders Yahya and Mohammad Sinwar.
Ongoing Violence Despite Agreement: Despite the announced ceasefire, Israel continued bombing operations in Gaza after the deal was confirmed. Palestinian news agency WAFA reported seven Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire on Thursday, with additional casualties from an evening strike on a residential building. Israeli media indicated the IDF was pushing back Palestinians approaching their positions, underscoring the fragility of the agreement.
Australian Position and International Response: Prime Minister Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s consistent advocacy for a ceasefire, hostage returns, and humanitarian aid access throughout the conflict. Speaking in Parliament, Albanese credited diplomatic efforts by the United States, Arab League, Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, while rejecting any annexation or forced displacement of Palestinians. He stated that “the only path to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East remains a two-state solution—the State of Israel and the State of Palestine living side by side within internationally recognised borders.”
Competing Narratives: Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian declared victory, stating: “All of the prime minister’s objectives have now been achieved”—referencing Netanyahu’s stated goals of hostage return, Hamas defeat, and ensuring Gaza poses no future threat. Hamas leaders, however, claim they received guarantees from the United States that “the war has completely ended.” ABC News Australia characterized the agreement as “a shaky ceasefire” rather than Trump’s proposed “eternal peace,” noting neither Israel nor Hamas are strictly adhering to the president’s 20-point plan.
Humanitarian Preparations: Humanitarian organisations are positioned to increase aid flows into Gaza once the ceasefire takes effect, with delivery levels expected to match those implemented during January’s temporary ceasefire. The United Nations remains poised to significantly expand assistance to Gaza, where famine has been declared in some areas after months of restricted access.
Political Dynamics: Israeli far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir opposed the deal, threatening to bring down Netanyahu’s government if Hamas is not “dismantled.” UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, speaking after meetings with European and Arab ministers in Paris, confirmed international consensus that “there will be no role for Hamas” in Gaza’s future governance. Trump accepted an invitation to address the Knesset, with Speaker Amir Ohana calling him “the greatest friend and ally of the Jewish people in modern history”—though Trump incorrectly stated he would be the first US president to do so, when George W. Bush previously addressed the Knesset in 2008.
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