Israel’s Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal

Israel’s government has approved a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas, set to take effect on Sunday.

The decision followed extended discussions within the Security Cabinet, with two far-right ministers opposing the deal.

The agreement, finalized after mediation by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, includes a six-week phase during which 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Israeli forces are also set to withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza, displaced Palestinians will begin returning to their homes, and humanitarian aid will be allowed into Gaza on a daily basis.

The second phase of the agreement, beginning on day 16, will focus on the release of the remaining hostages, a full Israeli troop withdrawal, and the restoration of sustainable calm.

The final phase will involve the reconstruction of Gaza and the return of any remaining hostages’ bodies, a process expected to take years.

Qatar confirmed that the hostages released in the first phase will include civilian women, children, elderly individuals, and those who are sick or wounded. Israel expects the first three hostages to be released on the first day of the ceasefire, with more to follow in small groups over the next six weeks.

The conflict began with a large-scale attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which led to the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages.

Since then, more than 46,870 people have been killed in Gaza, and the territory has experienced widespread destruction and displacement.

Israel reports that 94 hostages are still being held by Hamas, with 34 presumed dead, along with four other Israelis abducted before the war, two of whom are also dead.