ISRAEL: Israel’s cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, set to take effect this Sunday, January 19. The agreement also includes the release of hostages held in Gaza, reads the statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Saturday. “The Israeli Government has approved the framework for the release of hostages. The process will begin on Sunday,” read a brief statement from Netanyahu’s office.

After over six hours of discussions early Saturday, the government approved the deal, which could bring an end to the 15-month-long conflict in Gaza, a territory governed by Hamas.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza despite the agreement. Medical sources reported that an Israeli strike killed five people in a tent in the Mawasi area, near Khan Younis, in the southern part of the enclave early Saturday. This brought the death toll to 119 Palestinians since the ceasefire deal was announced on Wednesday.

U.S. Confirms Ceasefire Progress

Following the cabinet’s approval, Brett McGurk, the lead U.S. negotiator, confirmed that the agreement was moving forward as planned. The White House expects the ceasefire to commence Sunday morning, with three female hostages to be handed over to Israel by the Red Cross later in the day.

The ceasefire will unfold in three phases, starting with a six-week period during which hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for prisoners detained by Israel. In the first phase, 33 of the remaining 98 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and elderly men, will be freed. In exchange, Israel will release all Palestinian women and minors under 19 years old currently in Israeli custody.

The Israeli Justice Ministry published a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners scheduled for release on Sunday. McGurk added that the agreement outlines additional releases: four female hostages after seven days and three more hostages every subsequent week.

Opposition From Hardliners

The ceasefire deal faced strong resistance from some members of Israel’s cabinet. Reports suggest 24 ministers voted in favor, while eight opposed the deal, calling it a concession to Hamas. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened to resign if the government didn’t resume military operations after the first phase of the ceasefire.
Israel launched its offensive in Gaza following Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages taken, according to Israeli officials. Since then, the conflict has devastated much of Gaza, leaving more than 46,000 people dead and displacing millions, local authorities report.

Humanitarian Crisis and Relief Efforts

The ceasefire aims to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilians are grappling with hunger, illness, and freezing temperatures. The agreement promises increased aid deliveries, with international organizations ready to provide food, fuel, and medical supplies. The UN agency UNRWA has prepared 4,000 truckloads of aid, including essential food supplies, to enter Gaza.

Displaced Palestinians expressed hope that the truce would ease their struggles. “I just want to cook meals at home again without waiting for hours in line at soup kitchens,” said Reeham Sheikh al-Eid, a resident in southern Gaza.

If successful, the ceasefire could also de-escalate broader regional tensions, which have drawn in Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, and other armed factions.