Israel’s cabinet has formally approved a ceasefire agreement and a hostage release deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Saturday.
The decision marks a turning point in Gaza’s deadliest conflict to date, with the truce set to begin on Sunday.
The agreement involves a cessation of hostilities, including airstrikes in Gaza, and the exchange of hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. “The government has approved the hostage return plan,” Netanyahu’s office stated early Saturday, following a cabinet vote.
Under the agreement, 737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees will be released during the initial phase, beginning no earlier than 4:00 PM local time on Sunday.
The truce was finalized amid reports of continued Israeli strikes that killed over 100 people and injured hundreds in Gaza after the ceasefire announcement. Hamas warned that these attacks could jeopardize the lives of hostages and lead to further tragedy.
Netanyahu’s government stressed that the ceasefire aligns with Israel’s broader military objectives. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared that the Palestinian Authority is ready to assume full responsibility for Gaza post-conflict.
Conflict Toll and Ceasefire Details
The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 7 attack, has resulted in significant loss of life and destruction. Over 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, were killed, with 251 hostages taken. Gaza has faced devastating casualties, with 46,876 deaths reported, primarily civilians, according to Hamas-run health authorities.
Key elements of the ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, include:
- A 42-day initial truce.
- Release of 33 hostages by Hamas in the first phase.
- Israel’s withdrawal from heavily populated Gaza areas to allow displaced Palestinians to return home.
- Establishment of reception points in Israel for returning hostages.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that French-Israeli citizens are among those set to be released. Both U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have claimed involvement in securing the deal. “If we weren’t involved… the deal would’ve never happened,” Trump said in a Thursday interview.
