Israel’s government has formally approved the recently negotiated ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas, paving the way for its implementation on Sunday.
The decision followed hours of intense deliberations within the security cabinet, with two far-right ministers dissenting.
Earlier, the security cabinet had recommended ratification, stating that the agreement aligns with the objectives of the ongoing conflict, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
This approval comes on the heels of a joint announcement by the Prime Minister’s Office and Hamas confirming the finalization of the agreement’s details, two days after its initial outline was presented by mediators Qatar, the United States, and Egypt.
Key Provisions of the Deal:
- Phase 1 (Six Weeks):
- Exchange of 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
- Israeli forces to withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza.
- Displaced Palestinians to begin returning to their homes.
- Daily entry of hundreds of aid lorries into Gaza.
- Phase 2 (Starting Day 16):
- Negotiations for the release of remaining hostages, full Israeli troop withdrawal, and “the restoration of sustainable calm.”
- Phase 3:
- Reconstruction of Gaza (expected to take years).
- Return of any remaining hostage bodies.
Humanitarian Crisis:
The 15-month conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry reports over 46,870 deaths, and the majority of the 2.3 million population has been displaced. Widespread destruction and severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter have exacerbated the suffering.
Background:
The Israeli military launched its campaign against Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the US, and others, in response to a large-scale cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of 251 individuals.
