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Israel and Hamas Reach Ceasefire Deal Amid Hostage Release Agreement


Israel and Hamas have approved a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, aiming to end a 15-month conflict. Read more about the agreement and its impact.


Historic Agreement Approved by Israeli Cabinet

In a significant development, Israel’s cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas, facilitating the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The agreement, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office early Saturday, marks a pivotal moment in the 15-month-long conflict in the region. Following more than six hours of deliberation, the Israeli government ratified the deal, setting the stage for a structured de-escalation starting Sunday.

Intensified Strikes Before the Ceasefire Takes Effect

Despite the approval, Israeli forces have continued heavy bombardments across Gaza. Residents report that Israeli tanks shelled the eastern Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, while airstrikes targeted central and southern areas. In Khan Younis, medics confirmed that five civilians perished when an airstrike hit a tent in the Mawasi region. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service estimates that since the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday, at least 123 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes.
Meanwhile, in Israel, sirens blared across Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as the country’s military intercepted a missile launched from Yemen. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Ceasefire Implementation and Hostage Release Plan

According to Qatar’s foreign ministry, the ceasefire is set to begin at 06:30 GMT on Sunday. The White House expects the Red Cross to oversee the return of three female Israeli hostages in the first stage of the agreement. U.S. lead negotiator Brett McGurk confirmed that all terms of the ceasefire and hostage exchange have been finalized, expressing confidence in the deal’s execution.
The ceasefire will unfold in three distinct phases:
  1. Six-Week Initial Phase: Hamas will release hostages, including women, children, older individuals, and the wounded, in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
  2. Subsequent Stages: The deal includes the planned release of 33 Israeli hostages, with Israel reciprocating by freeing detained Palestinian women and teenagers, including individuals affiliated with militant groups.
  3. Sustained De-Escalation: The ceasefire agreement hints at broader negotiations to prevent further escalations, though uncertainties remain.

Opposition and Political Fallout in Israel

Despite the government’s approval, the deal has faced pushback from hardline Israeli cabinet members. Among the most vocal opponents is National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who threatened to resign, citing concerns that the agreement would embolden Hamas. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed similar sentiments, stating he would withdraw support from Netanyahu’s government if military operations did not resume after the ceasefire’s first phase.
Nevertheless, Netanyahu’s coalition secured the agreement with 24 ministers voting in favor and eight opposing. Reports indicate that last-minute delays in the negotiations were largely due to Hamas’s demands, which Israel initially resisted before finally conceding.

Humanitarian Crisis and Regional Implications

The war between Israel and Hamas erupted following the October 7, 2023, attack, where Hamas fighters infiltrated Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Israel’s military response has since devastated Gaza, with over 46,000 casualties reported and widespread displacement affecting the enclave’s 2.3 million residents.
With most of Gaza’s population facing dire humanitarian conditions, the ceasefire includes provisions for increased humanitarian aid. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) confirmed that 4,000 truckloads of aid—half of which consists of food supplies—are ready to enter Gaza once the ceasefire takes effect.

Geopolitical Ramifications

The ceasefire’s success could have broader regional implications, particularly in curbing hostilities involving Iran-backed groups. The ongoing conflict has already seen spillover effects in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq, with various militant factions engaging in attacks. A sustained truce between Israel and Hamas might ease tensions in these volatile regions, though experts remain cautious about long-term stability.

What’s Next?

As Sunday’s ceasefire deadline approaches, all eyes remain on its implementation. The Israeli military has affirmed its readiness to receive hostages and provide them with necessary medical and psychological care. Meanwhile, families of detained Palestinians await their release under the agreement’s terms.
The coming weeks will determine whether this ceasefire holds or merely serves as a temporary pause in the enduring Israel-Palestine conflict. Regardless, the deal represents a crucial step in diplomatic negotiations, carrying the potential to alter the region’s geopolitical landscape.

Source:  (Reuters)

(Disclaimer: This article presents verified information available at the time of writing. Developments in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire are subject to change as new reports emerge.)

 

Also Read:  Israel and Hamas Ceasefire: A Fragile Agreement Amid Rising Tensions

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