Israel’s cabinet approved a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas, signaling a potential end to the 15-month war in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the framework for releasing hostages would begin Sunday, with three female captives set to be freed via the Red Cross. U.S. envoy Brett McGurk expressed confidence in the deal’s implementation, scheduled to start Sunday morning.
Despite the agreement, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continued, with medics reporting five casualties in Khan Younis. Since the deal’s announcement, 119 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli bombardment, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the enclave. Gaza, devastated by the conflict, has seen over 46,000 deaths and mass displacement of its 2.3 million residents.
The three-phase ceasefire includes an initial six-week period where hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Israel plans to release all detained Palestinian women and minors under 19 during this phase, with the first 95 prisoners set to return Sunday. Further releases are planned weekly.
The deal faced opposition within Israel’s government, with some hardliners labeling it a concession to Hamas. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened to resign if the ceasefire does not lead to renewed military action after six weeks.
The ceasefire aims to stabilize the region, where the Gaza conflict has spurred broader hostilities involving Iran and its proxies. Humanitarian relief, including 4,000 aid trucks, is poised to enter Gaza, offering hope for civilians suffering from hunger and displacement. However, uncertainty lingers over the agreement’s durability and its impact on the deeply fractured region.
