JERUSALEM, Israel – Israel’s government has given the green light to a significant Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement with Hamas, set to commence this Sunday.
The move follows extensive deliberations that stretched late into the night, with two far-right ministers casting dissenting votes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the decision, highlighting that the endorsement of the security cabinet aligns with “achieving the objectives of the war.”
This development came soon after both the Israeli government and Hamas confirmed the finalization of the agreement, brokered by Qatar, the US, and Egypt.
Ceasefire and Hostage Release Details
The initial phase of the deal, spanning six weeks, will see the release of 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
During this period, Israeli forces will pull out from Gaza’s densely populated regions, displaced Palestinians will begin returning to their homes, and humanitarian aid will flow more freely into the territory.
Negotiations for a second phase will start on the 16th day, focusing on the release of remaining hostages and a comprehensive Israeli troop withdrawal.
The third phase will target Gaza’s reconstruction and the return of any remaining hostages’ bodies.
Qatar’s statement underscored the variety of hostages set for release, including women, children, the elderly, and injured civilians.
Israel anticipates the release of three hostages on the first day, with subsequent releases over the six-week period.
Reactions and Controversy
While the deal has been lauded as a step toward peace, it has sparked controversy within the Israeli government.
Culture Minister Miki Zohar described the decision as “very hard,” emphasizing its importance for the hostages’ return.
Conversely, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir vehemently opposed the agreement, threatening to leave the coalition but not topple the government.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed dissent, warning of his party’s exit should the war not resume after the first phase.
Ground Realities and Humanitarian Concerns
Since the conflict’s escalation on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas cross-border attack, Gaza has suffered immense casualties and widespread devastation.
The Hamas-run health ministry reports over 46,870 deaths, with most of the population displaced and critical shortages in basic supplies.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, violence has persisted.
Recent Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of 117 Palestinians, including women and children.
Israeli forces claimed these strikes targeted “terror locations” while aiming to minimize civilian harm.
With international attention fixed on the ceasefire’s implementation, a joint operations room involving representatives from Egypt, Qatar, the US, Palestine, and Israel will oversee the agreement’s execution.
Plans are in place to significantly increase aid deliveries to Gaza, aiming to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis.
