The Israeli Cabinet has given the green light to a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, aimed at halting hostilities in Gaza and facilitating the release of numerous hostages taken by militants. The approval was finalized during a lengthy Cabinet meeting early on Saturday. According to the Prime Minister’s office, the ceasefire could commence as soon as Sunday, coinciding with the initial release of hostages. This agreement marks just the second ceasefire in 15 months of continuous conflict.
Under the terms of this latest agreement, 33 hostages are scheduled to be released over a six-week period, in return for the release of hundreds of Palestinians currently incarcerated in Israel. Further negotiations will determine the fate of the remaining captives, including male soldiers, as Hamas has stated it will not release these individuals without a long-term ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The Israeli Justice Ministry has indicated that approximately 95 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released during the ceasefire’s initial phase.
The ongoing conflict has had devastating consequences, with more than 46,000 fatalities reported in Gaza, predominantly among women and children, although the Health Ministry does not specify how many casualties were militants. In contrast, Israel claims to have eliminated upwards of 17,000 fighters, without providing supporting evidence for these figures.
In a related development, the Israeli Justice Ministry announced a list of over 700 Palestinian prisoners who will be granted release as part of the ceasefire arrangement. This information became public shortly after the Cabinet’s endorsement of the agreement. The proposed releases, starting no earlier than 4 p.m. local time on Sunday, include members of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups, with some prisoners facing life sentences due to serious crimes such as murder. Notably, the list does not feature Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian prisoner regarded by many as a potential future leader. Hamas has called for his release but Israeli officials have dismissed such requests.
Establishing a ceasefire has faced hurdles from Hamas’s insistence on more substantial terms. Meanwhile, the United Nations has expressed concerns regarding Israeli activities within a designated buffer zone between Syria and Israel, citing violations of a 1974 ceasefire agreement. The UN peacekeeping force has noted that Israeli forces continue to build infrastructure in the area, following statements that their presence is temporary.
As state authorities resume discussions on a governance plan for Gaza after a potential ceasefire, Palestinian leadership in the West Bank has expressed readiness to oversee operations in the territory. However, uncertainty remains about the actual governance structure going forward, especially with Hamas threatening repercussions against any collaboration with Israeli forces.
Regarding humanitarian efforts, the head of the U.N. agency supporting Palestinian refugees emphasized the importance of continuing operations in Gaza, warning that an Israeli ban on the agency could severely hamper relief efforts. UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) plays an essential role in providing healthcare and education to millions of Palestinians, particularly amid growing needs following months of conflict.
In different geopolitical developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed the ceasefire agreement, expressing hope for its durability and underscoring the necessity of food and medical supplies flowing into Gaza. Similarly, the Israeli military announced its preparedness to withdraw from various areas in Gaza as the ceasefire takes effect, although restrictions on Palestinian residents’ return to specific areas will remain in place.
The changing dynamics and international responses reflect the complex situations surrounding the ceasefire discussions, ongoing military activities, and the humanitarian crisis, spotlighting the volatile nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the region.
