Israel Security Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
In a historic move, Israel’s security cabinet has officially approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, aimed at bringing a much-needed break to the ongoing war. The deal will result in the exchange of hostages and prisoners, and will provide a six-week pause in the violence that has devastated Gaza and Israel for over 15 months.
Approval After Tension and Delay
The approval was a significant step forward, but it didn’t come without some tension. There was an unexpected delay in the process, which raised concerns that last-minute disagreements between Israel and Hamas could derail the deal. Some members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition government even threatened to block the agreement. These hurdles led many to fear that the hard-won deal might collapse, but in the end, the security cabinet ratified the agreement, allowing it to move forward.
The deal now heads to Israel’s full cabinet for final approval, which, if passed, will go into effect on Sunday. This approval marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, offering a rare opportunity for both sides to take a break from the fighting, exchange prisoners, and potentially work toward longer-term peace.
Read More: Israel-Hamas Peace Deal Stalls: Netanyahu Accuses Hamas of Reneging
Details of the Ceasefire Deal
Under the first phase of the deal, Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages, including children, women, and the elderly, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. For every female Israeli soldier released by Hamas, Israel will free 50 Palestinian prisoners. In exchange for other female hostages, Israel will release 30 Palestinian prisoners.
The names of those involved in the exchange will remain confidential until they are handed over to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). However, the list of Palestinian prisoners expected to be released will be published shortly after the cabinet’s final approval. This transparency will allow the public to follow the progress of the agreement and ensure accountability.
International Reactions and Support
The deal has drawn attention and praise from the international community. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that two French-Israeli citizens, Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi, will be part of the first group of hostages set to be released. Macron’s statement highlights the global significance of the agreement and the continued interest in ensuring the safety of citizens from other countries caught in the conflict.
The ceasefire deal also opens the door for greater humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, which has been desperately needed for months. Palestinians who were displaced from their homes will be allowed to move freely around the Gaza Strip, which has been divided by a military corridor. This marks an important step in easing the suffering of many families who have been trapped in the divided territory.
What Happens Next?
Once the deal is implemented, the first phase will see the exchange of hostages and prisoners. The first release of hostages is expected to take place on Sunday, with additional releases occurring every week during the six-week ceasefire period. This first phase is intended to set the stage for the second phase, where the remaining living hostages will be freed, and a corresponding number of Palestinian prisoners will be released.
The second phase of the deal will also include ongoing negotiations, which will begin 16 days into the first phase. These negotiations are expected to focus on finalizing the terms of the full release of prisoners and the complete withdrawal of Israel from parts of Gaza.
The Third Phase: Reconstruction and Return of Bodies
The third phase of the agreement will address the exchange of bodies of deceased hostages and Hamas members, a delicate and emotional process for families on both sides. Additionally, this phase will initiate the rebuilding of Gaza, which has been devastated by months of airstrikes and military actions. The future governance of Gaza remains uncertain, with continued debates over who will control the region.
The international community has called for the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza, but Israel has repeatedly rejected this proposal. The path to rebuilding and restoring peace in Gaza is still unclear, but the ceasefire deal represents a hopeful start.
A Fragile Peace and What’s to Come
The ceasefire deal, while a major step, is still fragile. There are many hurdles ahead, and the peace it promises may only be temporary. The ongoing war has claimed thousands of lives and left Gaza in ruins. However, this agreement opens a window of opportunity for both sides to reconsider their approach and work toward a more lasting solution.
The situation remains highly volatile, and the world continues to watch closely. The hope is that this ceasefire will lead to further talks and a chance to bring stability back to the region.
