Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that all Israeli ministers have approved a Gaza ceasefire agreement, expected to begin on Sunday. The initial phase includes the release of 33 of 98 hostages within six weeks, while approximately 990 to 1,650 Palestinian prisoners will also be freed, contingent on the hostages’ release. Despite the agreement, Israeli attacks on Gaza continued, resulting in significant casualties. Hardline ministers criticized the deal, claiming it conceded to Hamas, with Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir threatening resignation. The conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack, has led to over 46,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread regional destabilization.
All Israeli ministers have approved the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed.
Israel’s Security Cabinet had previously recommended that the deal be approved early on Friday, with a ceasefire likely to begin on Sunday.
The deal initially calls for 33 of the 98 hostages to be released within six weeks, with about half of the 98 thought to still be alive.
The remaining people detained are scheduled to be released in a second phase that has not yet been negotiated.
Hamas said it would not release all the hostages without a proper ceasefire and complete withdrawal from Israel.
Meanwhile, between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners and detainees are scheduled to be released, with the number depending on how many hostages are freed.
Hardline ministers in Israel’s coalition government criticized the deal, saying it was a capitulation to Hamas. Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir threatened to resign if the plan was forced through.
Relatives of hostages held in Gaza hold a rally in a square in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday.
Demonstrators hold torches demanding the immediate release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirms that all Israeli ministers have approved the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel continued to attack the Gaza Strip, with Palestinian officials announcing that 86 people had been killed the day after the deal was announced.
Hamas sparked the war with its invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023, in which the militants killed around 1,200 people and kidnapped 250 others.
Israel responded with devastating attacks that left more than 46,000 Palestinians dead, local health officials said. Officials do not distinguish between civilians and militants, but say more than half of those killed were women and children.
As well as the death and destruction in Gaza, the conflict has destabilized the Middle East and sparked global protests.
On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 72 people in the Gaza Strip. In previous conflicts, both countries have stepped up military operations as a show of strength in the final hours before a ceasefire.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed special forces to prepare to receive hostages returning from Gaza and said their families have been informed that an agreement has been reached.
