The Israeli government has formally approved the first phase of the Gaza Plan agreed with Hamas, part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative for lasting peace in the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement aims to secure the return of hostages and praised Trump’s role in the process. “We are close to achieving our goal,” Netanyahu said, thanking Trump’s envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff for their efforts. Under the plan, Israel will withdraw to designated lines in Gaza while Hamas is expected to release all hostages within 72 hours.