The Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, set to begin on Sunday. This deal aims to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza and includes plans for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the decision, which marks a significant step towards peace after over 15 months of intense violence.
The agreement was finalized after hours of intense discussions in the Israeli cabinet, which extended into the early hours of Saturday. The plan includes a three-stage ceasefire, starting with a six-week initial phase. During this time, Hamas will release Israeli hostages, and Israel will free Palestinian prisoners, particularly women and children under the age of 19.
As part of the deal, 33 of the 98 remaining Israeli hostages, including women, children, and older men, are expected to be freed in the first phase. In return, Israel plans to release 95 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday. The agreement also outlines the release of additional hostages in subsequent weeks, ensuring a gradual de-escalation of tensions.
Despite the ceasefire deal, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continued, leading to tragic loss of life. On Saturday, five Palestinians were killed in an airstrike in Khan Younis. These attacks have intensified the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where residents face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
The United States, represented by lead negotiator Brett McGurk, has been instrumental in finalizing the agreement. McGurk expressed confidence that the ceasefire will proceed as planned, with the first hostages expected to be released by the Red Cross on Sunday.
The agreement is seen as a potential turning point in the broader Middle East conflict, which has drawn in regional powers like Iran, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthis. If the ceasefire holds, it could pave the way for a broader peace initiative in the region.
The ceasefire agreement has faced significant opposition from hardliners within Netanyahu’s coalition government. Ministers like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have voiced strong objections, labeling the deal as a concession to Hamas. Despite their opposition, the majority of the cabinet approved the agreement, recognizing its importance for regional stability.
The prolonged conflict has devastated Gaza, leaving much of the area in ruins. Over 46,000 lives have been lost, and the population of 2.3 million has been repeatedly displaced. The ceasefire deal includes plans to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, with 4,000 trucks of food, medicine, and fuel ready to enter the region. Organizations like the UNRWA are preparing to deliver much-needed assistance to the people of Gaza, many of whom have been relying on soup kitchens for survival.
Displaced Palestinians expressed hope that the truce will bring relief from their daily struggles. Reeham Sheikh al-Eid, a Gaza resident, shared her wish to return to normalcy, cook meals at home, and avoid the long lines for food distribution.
The Israeli-Hamas ceasefire agreement offers a glimmer of hope for a region that has suffered immense destruction and loss. With hostages set to be freed and aid prepared to flow into Gaza, this deal could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the pursuit of peace. However, the road ahead remains challenging, with skepticism from various sides and the need for sustained international support to ensure the agreement’s success.
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