Israeli government approves deal with Hamas
The Israeli government has endorsed an agreement with Hamas, paving the way for a ceasefire and hostage exchange to take effect on Sunday, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
The full 33-member cabinet approved the deal following a recommendation from the smaller security cabinet earlier on Friday. Deliberations lasted more than seven hours, continuing late into Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday.
“The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages’ release will come into effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Shabbat Shalom,” Netanyahu’s office said in a brief statement.
Under the deal signed on Wednesday, Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas agreed to halt their 15-month conflict in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of over 1,100 Israelis and 46,000 Palestinians. Mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, the agreement is divided into three phases.
The first phase, set to begin on Sunday and last 42 days, will see Hamas release 33 hostages, including children, female soldiers, and those who are wounded or ill. In exchange, Israel will release an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli jails.
The agreement has faced criticism from within Netanyahu’s government. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a member of the hardline Jewish Power party, has threatened to withdraw his faction from the coalition if the deal proceeds. Similarly, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism party has expressed strong opposition.
Israel’s Supreme Court is also scheduled to hear appeals from Israelis opposing the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, the court’s decision is not expected to prevent the ceasefire from coming into effect.
