Netanyahu’s office denies ceasefire already in effect

‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office denied Hebrew media reports that the ceasefire is in effect already, clarifying it will take effect after the ‘Israeli’ government cabinet Thursday evening. 

“Contrary to media reports, the 72-hour period will be counted from the approval of the agreement at the government meeting, expected to be held this evening,” the statement said.

The Prime Minister’s Office explained that ‘Israeli’ forces will not initiate any attacks or begin withdrawal before the cabinet’s endorsement.

Once the government approves the agreement, two parallel timelines will commence:

• 24 hours: ‘Israeli’ forces withdraw to the “yellow line,” along with necessary logistical adjustments on the ground.
• 72 hours: Gradual release of detainees and captives begins, not only at the end of the period.

These measures coincide with the expected arrival of mediators such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner later Thursday night or Friday morning, followed by Trump’s planned visit on Sunday, including a speech at the Knesset.

- Timeline for captive-detainee exchange -

The plan sets a precise schedule for the exchange:

• Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025: Release of living captives begins.
• Monday, Oct. 13, 2025: Transfer of the bodies of deceased captives.

Hebrew media also reported a full “timeline” for implementing the Gaza agreement over several days:

• Thursday, Oct. 9: Official announcement of the agreement; ‘Israeli’ government approval at 4:00 PM; initial detainee lists published, first-phase withdrawal map released.
• Friday, Oct.10: Formal objections to detainee lists may be submitted; field withdrawal of ‘Israeli’ forces begins in the evening.
• Saturday, Oct. 11: Continued withdrawal from populated areas; Palestinian factions prepare living captives for handing over.
• Sunday, Oct. 12: US President Donald Trump arrives to oversee implementation and participate in the official ceasefire announcement.
• Monday, Oct. 13: Official exchange under Egyptian, Qatari, US, and Turkish supervision; Palestinian detainees released, bodies of dozens of fighters returned; all crossings fully opened; 400 aid trucks enter daily, rising to 600 or more.

Following the announcement, the White House released the full text of President Trump’s comprehensive plan to end the Gaza offensive early Thursday morning.