Israel has agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas, the group that governs Gaza, in a significant step to end the 15-month-long conflict that has caused immense destruction and loss of life. The ceasefire includes an agreement to release hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Despite the deal, airstrikes and attacks have continued in Gaza ahead of the ceasefire, causing further casualties.
The Israeli government approved the ceasefire on Saturday after an extended cabinet meeting. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Hamas had yet to provide a list of hostages set for release, and the deal will not move forward without it.
In Gaza, residents reported heavy shelling and airstrikes in various areas, including Zeitoun and Khan Younis. Medical officials in Gaza stated that at least five people were killed in an airstrike on Saturday, with the total Palestinian death toll since the war began exceeding 47,000, according to health ministry reports.
The ceasefire is expected to begin on Sunday at 6:30 GMT. Under the agreement, 33 of the 98 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and older adults, will be released initially. In exchange, Israel will free around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including men, women, and teenagers, some of whom were jailed for attacks on Israelis.
The deal has sparked mixed reactions within Israel. While many view it as a necessary step toward peace, some cabinet members, including far-right politicians, opposed the agreement. Protests by Israelis demanding the release of hostages have been ongoing, with a large clock in Tel Aviv counting the time since their capture as a symbol of their plight.
Beyond Israel and Gaza, the conflict has had a ripple effect across the Middle East, escalating tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon and bringing Israel into direct confrontation with Iran. Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have also intensified attacks on ships in the Red Sea and launched missiles at Israel, which were intercepted.
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