Israel Cabinet Approves Ceasefire and Hostage Release Agreement with Hamas
TEL AVIV: The Israeli cabinet has approved a ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, aiming to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced early Saturday. The ceasefire is set to begin at 0630 GMT on Sunday, marking a potential turning point in the 15-month-long conflict in the Hamas-controlled enclave.
Following more than six hours of deliberation, the Israeli government ratified the agreement, which Netanyahu’s office described as “a framework for the return of hostages.”
Despite the agreement, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have continued. Early Saturday, an airstrike in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis reportedly killed five Palestinians, bringing the death toll in Gaza to 119 since the deal was announced on Wednesday, according to medics.
U.S. envoy Brett McGurk confirmed that preparations for the deal were progressing smoothly. “We are quite confident… it is ready to be implemented on Sunday,” McGurk told CNN.
Details of the Ceasefire Agreement
Under the three-stage plan, the ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase during which hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for prisoners held in Israeli jails.
- In the first stage, 33 of the 98 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and ill or elderly individuals, will be released.
- Israel, in turn, will release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including members of militant groups convicted of attacks.
The Israeli Justice Ministry published details of the Palestinian prisoners set for release, which includes 737 individuals convicted of various offenses. The agreement specifies a ratio of 30 Palestinian prisoners for each female hostage released.
Following the release of three female hostages on Sunday, the deal stipulates a gradual release process, with four more hostages freed after seven days, followed by three hostages every subsequent week.
Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed the timetable, with the White House stating that Red Cross representatives would facilitate the release.
The agreement marks a significant step towards reducing hostilities in the region and underscores international efforts to mediate a resolution in one of the Middle East’s most enduring conflicts.