Israel’s Cabinet Approves Ceasefire Deal with Hamas, Paving Way for Hostage Release and Potential End to Gaza War
In a pivotal move that could signal the beginning of the end of a 15-month-long conflict, Israel’s cabinet has approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group controlling Gaza. The deal, ratified after a marathon six-hour meeting, includes a framework for the release of hostages and a phased cessation of hostilities.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the approval, stating, “The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages’ release will come into effect on Sunday.” This announcement comes just a day before the agreement’s scheduled implementation.
Despite the ceasefire deal, violence in Gaza has not abated. Israeli warplanes have continued heavy attacks,with medics reporting that an airstrike in the Mawasi area west of Khan Younis killed five peopel in a tent. as the accord was announced on Wednesday, 119 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli bombardment.
The White House, through lead US negotiator Brett McGurk, expressed confidence in the plan’s progress. ”The White House expects the ceasefire to start tomorrow morning, with three female hostages to be released to Israel that afternoon through the Red Cross,” McGurk stated.The ceasefire is structured in three stages, beginning with an initial six-week phase. During this period, 33 of the 98 remaining Israeli hostages—women, children, and men over 50—will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.The Israeli Justice Ministry has already announced the names of 95 Palestinian prisoners to be released on Sunday.
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Six-week ceasefire; 33 Israeli hostages released; all Palestinian women and children under 19 freed |
| Phase 2 | Four more female hostages released after seven days |
| Phase 3 | Three hostages released every seven days thereafter |
The agreement has faced fierce opposition from hardliners within Netanyahu’s coalition government. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich both threatened to resign if the deal was approved, with Smotrich vowing to push for a return to war after the initial ceasefire phase.despite their objections, 24 ministers voted in favor of the deal, while eight opposed it.
The conflict, which began after Hamas’s attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, has devastated Gaza. According to local authorities, over 46,000 people have been killed, and the enclave’s pre-war population of 2.3 million has been displaced multiple times. The war has also drawn in regional actors, including Iran and its proxies, such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis.
If prosperous, the ceasefire could alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilians face severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine. The agreement includes provisions for a surge in aid, with the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA reporting that 4,000 truckloads of supplies, half of which are food, are ready to enter the coastal strip.As the region braces for the ceasefire’s implementation, the world watches closely, hoping this agreement will bring lasting peace to a conflict that has caused untold suffering.
Israel-hamas Ceasefire Deal: Expert Insights on Hostage Release and Gaza’s Future
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In a historic progress, Israel’s cabinet has approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, paving the way for the release of hostages and a potential end to the 15-month-long conflict in Gaza.To unpack the implications of this deal, we sat down with Dr. Miriam Cohen, a Middle East policy expert and professor of international relations at Tel Aviv University, to discuss the ceasefire’s structure, its challenges, and its potential impact on the region.
The Ceasefire Framework: A Phased Approach
Senior Editor: Dr. Cohen, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the structure of the ceasefire. Can you explain the phased approach outlined in the agreement?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: Certainly. The ceasefire is divided into three distinct phases. The frist phase involves a six-week cessation of hostilities, during which 33 Israeli hostages—women, children, and men over 50—will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This phase also includes the release of all Palestinian women and children under 19. The second phase, which begins seven days later, will see the release of four more female hostages. in the third phase, three hostages will be released every seven days thereafter. This staggered approach is designed to build trust and ensure compliance from both sides.
Political Opposition and Domestic Challenges
Senior Editor: The agreement has faced notable opposition within prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition. How might this internal dissent impact the implementation of the ceasefire?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: The opposition from hardliners like national Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is a major hurdle. Both have threatened to resign if the deal moves forward, and Smotrich has even vowed to push for a return to war after the initial ceasefire phase. While 24 ministers voted in favor of the deal, the eight who opposed it represent a significant faction that could destabilize Netanyahu’s government. This internal tension could complicate the ceasefire’s implementation, especially if violence resumes or if Hamas fails to meet its obligations.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Senior Editor: The war has devastated gaza, with over 46,000 casualties and widespread displacement. How might this ceasefire address the humanitarian crisis?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: The ceasefire includes provisions for a surge in humanitarian aid, which is critical given the dire situation in Gaza. according to UNRWA, 4,000 truckloads of supplies—half of which are food—are ready to enter the coastal strip. This aid could alleviate some of the immediate suffering, but long-term recovery will require sustained international support and reconstruction efforts.The ceasefire also offers a window of prospect to address the root causes of the conflict, though that will depend on the willingness of both sides to engage in meaningful dialog.
Regional Implications and the Role of iran
Senior Editor: The conflict has drawn in regional actors like Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah and the Houthis. How might the ceasefire impact these dynamics?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: The ceasefire could temporarily de-escalate tensions, but the broader regional conflict is far from resolved. Iran and its proxies have used the Gaza war to advance their own agendas, and they may view the ceasefire as a setback.However, if the agreement holds, it could create space for diplomatic efforts to address the underlying issues, such as Iran’s influence in the region and the activities of groups like hezbollah. That said, any lasting peace will require addressing these regional dynamics, which are deeply intertwined with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Looking Ahead: prospects for lasting Peace
Senior Editor: what are the prospects for lasting peace, and what challenges remain?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: While the ceasefire is a significant step, it is only the beginning of a long and difficult process. The immediate challenge is ensuring compliance from both sides, notably given the fragility of the agreement and the potential for spoilers. Beyond that, addressing the root causes of the conflict—such as the status of Jerusalem, the rights of Palestinian refugees, and the future of Israeli settlements—will require bold leadership and a commitment to dialogue. The international community has a crucial role to play in supporting these efforts, but ultimately, the path to peace will depend on the willingness of Israelis and Palestinians to coexist and build a shared future.
