A fragile calm has descended over Gaza as a 72-hour ceasefire took effect at noon today, marking the start of a tense countdown for the release of 48 hostages held by Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the agreement’s activation, saying troops have repositioned in accordance with the U.S.-brokered framework tied to the deal. While combat operations are paused, Israel’s Southern Command remains on high alert, ready to respond to any immediate threats.
A 72-Hour Countdown of Hope and Uncertainty
The ceasefire opens a short but critical window. Under the agreement approved by the Israeli government after hours of heated deliberation, Hamas must release all 48 hostages—both the living and the deceased—within 72 hours. Israeli officials estimate that 20 of those captives are still alive. Medical teams and hospitals across the country are standing by to receive the returnees, and authorities have stressed that the handover will be handled privately and respectfully.
In exchange, Israel will release 1,950 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences for deadly attacks. Most of those freed are expected to be transferred to third countries such as Turkey and Qatar. Hamas also requested the return of the bodies of its slain leaders, Yahya and Muhammad Sinwar, but Israel denied the demand.
Despite objections from right-wing coalition members Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir—who warned that releasing convicted terrorists poses severe security risks—the cabinet approved the deal following a six-hour session attended by White House envoy Steve Witkoff and former U.S. adviser Jared Kushner, both instrumental in shaping the plan.
A Step Toward De-escalation
As part of the agreement, the Israeli military will withdraw to the so-called “yellow line,” a boundary outlined in former U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan, leaving Israel in control of roughly 53% of Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the deal as both a national and moral victory, describing it as a “significant step toward de-escalation.”
Still, the coming days will test whether this fragile truce can hold. The exchange of prisoners and hostages will be emotionally charged and logistically complex, and its success could shape the trajectory of the wider conflict for years to come.
Israel Rejects French-Led Middle East Summit
While Israel implements the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, new diplomatic tensions have erupted in Europe. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to host a Paris summit on Gaza—one that notably excludes Israel from participation.
The gathering brings together representatives from the United States, the European Union, and several Arab and European nations to discuss a renewed two-state framework. But Sa’ar condemned the initiative as “unnecessary and harmful,” accusing Macron of exploiting the Middle East crisis to distract from his own domestic political troubles, including the resignation of his third prime minister in less than a year.
“Nothing about Israel without Israel,” Sa’ar declared, echoing a principle France itself invoked during the war in Ukraine: that no nation’s future can be decided without its direct involvement. He denounced the inclusion of governments he described as openly hostile to Israel, such as Spain’s Sánchez administration, and reaffirmed that Israel would reject any attempt to internationalize the Gaza question or override its sovereign decision-making.
According to Israeli officials, the French summit also risks undermining the delicate U.S.-led ceasefire and hostage agreement already in motion. As the Israeli government focuses on executing that plan, many in Jerusalem see the Paris talks as an unhelpful distraction from real progress made on the ground.
A Moment of Reflection and Prayer
For many Israelis, the coming weekend will be one of anxious waiting and heartfelt prayer. Religious and civic leaders across the country are calling on citizens to pray for the hostages’ safe release, for their families’ suffering to end, and for wisdom among those negotiating this fragile peace.
The weekly address concluded with a call for unity and faith:
“Pray for the hostages, that their release will take place.
Pray for the families, that their suffering will end.
Pray for the enemies of the Jewish people, that their eyes will open to truth.
Pray for the reconstruction of Gaza, and for the coming of the Prince of Peace, who alone can bring true shalom.”
As the ceasefire clock ticks down, both Israelis and Palestinians face a rare moment of pause—a brief, uncertain silence after months of devastating war. Whether it becomes the first step toward lasting peace or merely another temporary truce will depend on what unfolds in the next 72 hours.