Israel’s cabinet has officially approved a ceasefire agreement and hostage release deal, as announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Saturday.
This decision ends speculation surrounding the truce, which is set to take effect on Sunday, bringing an end to Gaza’s deadliest conflict to date.
The agreement includes a cessation of fighting and airstrikes in Gaza, as well as the exchange of hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners currently in Israeli custody.
“The government has approved the hostage return plan”, Netanyahu’s office said early Saturday morning after the cabinet held its vote.
According to Israeli authorities, 737 prisoners and detainees will be released during the initial phase, beginning no earlier than 4:00 PM local time on Sunday.
The truce was finalized amid ongoing Israeli strikes that reportedly killed over 100 individuals and injured hundreds in Gaza even after the ceasefire announcement.
Hamas has cautioned that such attacks endanger the lives of hostages, warning of potential tragedy if strikes persist.
Netanyahu’s government emphasized that the agreement aligns with Israel’s broader wartime objectives.
Meanwhile, according to AFP, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated that the Palestinian Authority is prepared to assume full responsibility for Gaza following the conflict.
The conflict, triggered by Hamas’s attack on October 7, has seen devastating consequences on both sides. Over 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians were killed, with 251 hostages taken during the assault.
Gaza, in turn, has suffered severe destruction, with 46,876 fatalities reported, predominantly civilians, according to Hamas-run health authorities.
Key Aspects of the Ceasefire
The deal, mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, was announced after months of intense negotiations. It includes:
– An initial 42-day ceasefire.
– The release of 33 hostages by Hamas during the first phase.
– Israel’s withdrawal from densely populated Gaza areas, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home.
– The establishment of reception points in Israel to facilitate the return of hostages.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that French-Israeli citizens are among those set to be released, while U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump both claimed credit for the negotiations.
“If we weren’t involved… the deal would’ve never happened,” Trump said in an interview Thursday.