A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to commence at 8:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, as announced by Qatar, the mediator of the agreement.
The cessation of hostilities will follow 15 months of ongoing conflict, during which a number of hostages will be released from Gaza, along with hundreds of Palestinians currently imprisoned in Israel.
The Israeli Cabinet granted approval for the ceasefire early Saturday, paving the way for the commencement of this initial exchange of hostages.
The deal, which has emerged from months of indirect negotiations facilitated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, marks the second truce in this protracted and devastating conflict.
The violent events of October 7, 2023, led to Hamas’s assault on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and an estimated 250 individuals taken hostage. Nearly 100 hostages are still believed to be in Gaza.
In the latest developments, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s right-wing Public Security Minister, has announced his intention to resign from the government due to his disapproval of the ceasefire set to take effect Sunday morning.
Ben-Gvir expressed his views on the deal as “reckless” and plans to submit his resignation letter on Sunday.
Although his departure is not expected to destabilize the government immediately or impede the ceasefire agreement, it could contribute to future instability if more of Netanyahu’s allies align with Ben-Gvir’s stance.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that the ceasefire cannot proceed until Israel receives a list detailing the hostages to be released from Gaza, as per their arrangement.
A senior military official stated that Palestinians will not be able to traverse the Netzarim corridor for the first seven days of the ceasefire, with gradual withdrawals expected thereafter.
The corridor currently remains under Israeli occupation, and many displaced Gazans are eager to return to their residences, although the official did not provide a detailed plan for after the initial week.
In Cairo, preparations are underway for the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, aiming to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza as the ceasefire comes into effect.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, noted that 600 aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza daily during the truce, including supplies of fuel.
In Israel, an organization representing victims of Palestinian violence has announced plans to petition the Supreme Court against the release of Palestinian prisoners tied to the ceasefire agreement, labeling the move as a “victory for the murderers.”
Critics, including the head of the Almagor Terror Victim Association, voiced concerns that prior prisoner swaps led to further violence, heightening fears of future attacks on Israelis.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres cited significant challenges ahead for the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza due to looting and infrastructural damage, while reiterating the expectation that Israel will not obstruct aid deliveries.
In Tel Aviv, one person was seriously injured in a stabbing incident attributed to what is being investigated as a possible terrorist act, illustrating the continuing tense atmosphere amid the broader conflict.
Following this, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the ceasefire as a hopeful advancement, but he also reminded observers of Netanyahu’s previous violations of such agreements, calling for collective international efforts to ensure stability.
Amid growing tensions, missile attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels were reported, which activated warning sirens in central and southern Israel, though the extent of the damage appeared to be minimal.
The family of young hostage Kfir Bibas, who was taken during the October 7 assaults and now spends his second birthday in captivity, is hopeful about the ceasefire’s potential to bring him home, while also remembering the dire circumstances of his family.
Preparations are ongoing in the West Bank for the return of family members held in Israeli prisons, reflecting a mix of hope and uncertainty regarding the forthcoming releases.
Lastly, discussions within the Arab League have surfaced around Syria’s re-entry, reflecting the shifts occurring within the region as external influences continue to reshape alliances and governance.
Guterres concluded by ensuring international commitment to support Lebanon’s recovery as it navigates a complicated political landscape exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
With the ceasefire in sight, the dynamics of the region remain nuanced and fragile, leaving many questions about the future course of actions among all involved parties.
