JERUSALEM — On Friday evening, Israel’s entire Cabinet convened to discuss a ceasefire agreement concerning the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that a deal had been concluded which would result in a pause to the 15-month-long hostilities and also facilitate the release of dozens of hostages.
Earlier in the day, the security Cabinet had recommended that the full Cabinet approve the ceasefire, which could potentially commence as early as Sunday. However, this agreement has faced strong opposition from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition allies, who are voicing concerns that could jeopardize the stability of his government.
The Cabinet meeting occurred well after the onset of the Jewish Sabbath, an unusual event indicative of the high stakes involved in these discussions. According to Jewish tradition, the Israeli government typically suspends all activities during the Sabbath, except in situations deemed emergencies affecting life or death.
Increasing pressure from both U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration and President-elect Donald Trump has been a significant factor driving both Hamas and Israel towards a settlement before Trump assumes office on Monday.
While mediators from Qatar and the U.S. had announced the ceasefire on Wednesday, the agreement was left unresolved for over a day due to Netanyahu citing last-minute complications attributed to Hamas. Meanwhile, Hamas insisted on its commitment to the ceasefire, leaving residents of Gaza and families of hostages anxiously awaiting confirmation of its implementation.
“We have reached a pivotal moment, and we are all hopeful,” remarked Ester Taranto, an activist at a gathering held in support of hostage families in Tel Aviv.
The conflict ignited following a cross-border assault by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in around 1,200 Israeli deaths and approximately 250 individuals taken captive, with nearly 100 still unaccounted for.
In response, Israel launched a severe military offensive that has led to the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians according to local health officials—many of whom are women and children, but the figures do not distinguish between militants and civilians. The prolonged conflict has significantly destabilized the Middle East, inciting global protests.
As of Friday, fighting persisted, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting that 88 bodies had been received by local hospitals in the preceding 24 hours. Historically, both sides tend to intensify their military activities in the waning hours before a ceasefire is announced as a show of strength.
In a structured approach towards the ceasefire, Netanyahu has set up a specialized task force to prepare for the return of hostages from Gaza. Families of the hostages have reportedly been notified that a deal is imminent. The Prime Minister’s office stated that, should the agreement be ratified, the ceasefire may commence on Sunday, potentially allowing for the first hostages to be released that day.
The deal includes a plan for the release of 33 hostages currently in Gaza over a timeline of six weeks in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The Israeli justice ministry announced the release of 95 Palestinian prisoners as part of the first phase, stating that the release would not begin prior to 4 p.m. local time on Sunday. Those set for release are primarily younger individuals or females.
As Israeli forces withdraw from numerous locations in Gaza, it is anticipated that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians will be able to return to what remains of their homes, along with an increase in humanitarian aid. However, the Israeli military affirmed that returning residents would be prohibited from areas where troops are stationed or near the Israel-Gaza border, asserting any threat to their forces would receive a strong response.
The remaining hostages, which include male soldiers, are to be discussed in a subsequent and more complex phase, which is expected to unfold during the first phase of negotiations. Hamas has stated it will not release the remaining captives without a long-lasting ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists on continuing to combat Hamas until it is fully dismantled and maintains steady security oversight in the area.
Long-standing issues regarding who will govern post-war Gaza and manage the extensive reconstruction required remain unresolved.
An official from Egypt indicated that a delegation from Israel’s military and Shin Bet internal security agency arrived in Cairo on Friday to negotiate the reopening of the Rafah crossing, a crucial connection between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.
In Israel, objections to the ceasefire deal have surfaced, particularly from hardline national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has threatened to resign if the ceasefire is approved. He reiterated this stance on Friday through social media, indicating, “If the ‘deal’ goes through, we will reluctantly exit the government.”
While his departure wouldn’t topple the government or hinder the agreement immediately, it would create instability at a critical juncture and could have long-term ramifications for Netanyahu’s administration.
