**Title: Israeli Ministers to Approve Gaza Ceasefire Agreement**

Israeli government ministers are set to meet to finalize a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, a Palestinian militant group. This deal, brokered by the United States, includes a plan for the release of hostages held in Gaza. An Israeli government spokesperson indicated that the ceasefire would take effect within 24 hours of the meeting. Following this period, hostages are expected to be released within 72 hours.

The meeting comes after a session of the Israeli security cabinet, which concluded earlier on Thursday. The agreement was signed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, marking a significant step toward ending a two-year conflict that has resulted in the deaths of over 67,000 Palestinians. Both sides confirmed the signing of the deal after indirect negotiations.

Under the terms of the agreement, hostilities will cease, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza, and Hamas will release hostages captured during the initial attack that sparked the war. In exchange, Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The United Nations plans to increase humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza during the first 60 days of the ceasefire, as many civilians have been displaced and are in urgent need of assistance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet is expected to ratify the deal, with Netanyahu stating that the ceasefire will commence after this approval. If fully implemented, this agreement could represent the closest the two sides have come to halting the conflict, which has escalated into a regional crisis involving Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon.

However, challenges remain. Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has warned that his party will seek to topple Netanyahu's government unless Hamas is dismantled. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the deal, stating it could lead to "lasting peace" and indicating plans to attend a signing ceremony in Egypt.

The Israeli Knesset has invited Trump to speak, and he has indicated he will do so if requested. Further discussions are needed regarding the governance of Gaza post-conflict and the future of Hamas, which has so far rejected calls to disarm. The announcement of the ceasefire and hostage release has been met with celebrations in both Israel and Gaza.

In Gaza, residents expressed joy despite ongoing airstrikes. Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo, a resident of Khan Younis, stated, "I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed." In Tel Aviv, Einav Zaugauker, whose son is among the hostages, shared her emotional response, saying, "I can't breathe, I can't breathe, I can't explain what I'm feeling ... it's crazy."

Despite the celebrations, reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, resulting in casualties. The Gaza health ministry reported at least nine Palestinians killed in the previous 24 hours. The ceasefire agreement comes just after the second anniversary of the Hamas attack that triggered the current conflict, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the region.

As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, with many questions remaining about the future of Gaza and the broader implications of the ceasefire agreement.