The Israeli government has approved a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, as reported by The Times of Israel. The agreement was passed in a cabinet vote of 24-8 in the early hours of Saturday and is set to take effect on Sunday.
This decision marks the initiation of the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza, alongside the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. While the cabinet has given its approval, opponents of the deal may still petition the High Court of Justice regarding the release of Palestinian security prisoners, though intervention by the court is considered unlikely.
Earlier, the Israeli security cabinet endorsed the agreement and recommended its adoption. Following this, the hostages and missing persons coordination unit informed the families of 33 Israeli hostages slated for release in the initial phase. Although the status of these hostages remains uncertain, Israel expects the majority to be alive. A comprehensive report on the hostages will be provided seven days into the ceasefire, with the order of release yet to be finalized.
Beyond the initial 33 hostages, Israel estimates 65 additional hostages remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 36 confirmed dead. Negotiations during the first phase will focus on securing the release of the remaining hostages, ending the conflict, and addressing Gaza’s reconstruction.
The deal has faced criticism from within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, with some allies urging against halting the conflict. Families of the remaining hostages have also expressed concern that subsequent phases of the deal may not be implemented, leaving their loved ones in captivity.
The agreement was finalized in Doha on Friday, with mediation from the United States and Qatar. The ceasefire aims to end the 15-month-long war in Gaza, which began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 civilians and the abduction of more than 250 people.
In retaliation, Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Hamas in Gaza, which has been criticized by humanitarian organizations for the high number of civilian casualties. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 45,000 people, including women and children, have been killed during the conflict.