Israel’s cabinet has endorsed a ceasefire deal with the Palestinian group Hamas, which includes the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The agreement is set to begin on Sunday.
Following a six-hour meeting, the government approved the plan, potentially ending the 15-month-long conflict in the Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave. Netanyahu’s office confirmed the framework for the return of hostages, stating that the process would commence on Sunday.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, with medical officials reporting that five individuals were killed in a tent in the Mawasi area early Saturday. Since the deal’s announcement on Wednesday, Israeli bombardments have claimed the lives of 119 Palestinians, according to local sources.
US envoy Brett McGurk indicated the agreement is progressing as planned, with the White House expecting the ceasefire to start Sunday morning. Three female hostages are scheduled to be released later that day via the Red Cross. McGurk expressed confidence that the agreement is ready for implementation.
The ceasefire plan comprises three stages, beginning with a six-week phase during which hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for prisoners in Israeli custody. Initially, 33 of the remaining 98 Israeli hostages — women, children, and men over 50 — are set to be freed.
Israel has pledged to release all Palestinian women and children under 19 in its jails by the end of this phase. The Israeli Justice Ministry disclosed the names of 95 Palestinian prisoners due to be released on Sunday.
Subsequent phases of the agreement outline the release of four female hostages after seven days, followed by three additional hostages each subsequent week.
The deal faced resistance from hardliners in Netanyahu’s coalition. While 24 ministers supported the agreement, eight opposed it, criticising it as a concession to Hamas.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened to resign if Israel does not resume military operations after the initial phase of the ceasefire.
The conflict, which began after Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, has led to significant destruction in Gaza, with over 46,000 fatalities and widespread displacement of the territory’s 2.3 million residents.
If successful, the ceasefire could reduce tensions across the region, which have escalated to involve Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Yemen’s Houthis, and armed groups in Iraq and the West Bank.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified, with widespread hunger, illness, and displacement.
The ceasefire agreement includes provisions for increased aid deliveries, with thousands of aid trucks prepared to bring essential supplies into Gaza.
Displaced civilians hope the truce will alleviate their struggles, allowing them to cook and eat at home instead of relying on overcrowded soup kitchens.
