Australian news and politics live: Netanyahu, Israeli ministers sign off on Trump’s Gaza peace deal

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has welcomed news that Israel’s cabinet has approved the first stage of a proposed peace plan and has congratulated US President Donald Trump for his efforts.

Senator Wong told a senate estimates hearing that Australia had been consistently part of international efforts to build momentum towards an end to “this horrific war”.

“That is such welcome news for the people of Gaza, the people of Israel and for all the region and I’m sure around the world this will be received with both relief and joy.”

“It’s an important step towards a ceasefire, return of hostages and a sustainable path to a long-term peace,” Senator Wong said.

Israeli cabinet has approved a Gaza peace plan after meeting late on Thursday to approve the measure.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s offce have confirmed the deal, including the release of hostages.

The deal means the IDF will withdraw to new lines inside of the Gaza strip. Then Hamas have 72 hours to release the hostages.

A US-brokered ceasefire in the Middle East is being met with cautious optimism by Australia, amid hopes the agreement could also ease social tensions at home.

Federal minister Mark Butler said the ceasefire was an initial step to a peace plan for the region and that many were waiting to see if it holds.

“These are early first steps on a very long road to peace and recovery,” he told Sunrise on Friday.

“It is really hard not to be excited that - maybe the worst of this awful conflict is behind us.

“The prospect of hostages returning to their families in Israel, defence forces starting to withdraw from Gaza, humanitarian aid flowing again to civilians there, it’s very hard not to be excited that we are finally on the road to peace.”

However, there was still uncertainty.

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Following Israel and Hamas agreeing to the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Mr Trump.

In a post on X Mr Netanyahu says Mr Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize.

“Give Donald Trump the Nobel Peace Prize - he deserves it!”

US President Donald Trump says the remaining Israeli hostages should be released on “Monday or Tuesday”, as Israeli Government ministers meet to approve the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire and hostage release plan signed with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Mr Trump says the release day will be a “day of joy” and is set to travel to Egypt to officially sign the deal in coming days.

An Israeli Government spokesperson said earlier that the ceasefire would go into force within 24 hours of the government meeting, assuming approval, which is expected, went ahead. .

After those 24 hours, the hostages held in Gaza would be freed within 72 hours.

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Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has released photos showing the Israeli Prime Minister alongside US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Mr Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner during a full cabinet meeting.

Israeli ministers are meeting to vote on the first phase of Mr Trump’s proposed plan to end the war in Gaza.

The phase being debated includes a ceasefire, the release of all 48 hostages currently held in Gaza, a partial IDF withdrawal, and the release of Palestinian security prisoners.

Mr Witkoff and Mr Kushner played key roles in brokering the negotiations leading up to the proposed deal.