The Israeli government has approved a ceasefire agreement with the goal of facilitating the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
The decision followed a lengthy cabinet meeting, during which 24 ministers voted in favour of the deal, with eight ministers opposing it. The agreement is expected to come into effect on Sunday, marking the start of a phased release.
The first phase of the deal involves the release of three Israeli women and 95 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the hostages’ return is a significant step forward in the ongoing negotiations.
He also noted that the agreement had received assurances from US President-elect Donald Trump, who committed to halting arms supplies to Israel if the deal were violated.
Netanyahu pointed out that this would provide Israel with additional leverage in the event of a breach, enabling them to resume fighting if necessary.
The cabinet meeting took place after a vote by Israel’s restricted security cabinet, which had approved the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostage deal the day before.
However, the agreement faced opposition from far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who called for a government pledge to continue military actions in Gaza once the first phase, involving the release of 33 Israeli hostages, was completed.
Hamas has expressed its commitment to the full terms of the agreement, which also includes provisions for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Palestinian relief agency UNRWA is preparing to send 4,000 truckloads of aid, including food, fuel, and medicine, to alleviate the suffering of displaced Palestinians. These supplies are eagerly awaited by those affected by the ongoing conflict.
