JERUSALEM/CAIRO, Jan 18 – The Israeli government has formally approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, aimed at halting hostilities in the Gaza Strip and facilitating the release of hostages. The decision was announced on Saturday, with the agreement scheduled to come into effect on Sunday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the cabinet’s approval following an extended six-hour session. “The framework for the release of hostages has been approved and will be implemented starting Sunday,” the statement said.
Escalation in Gaza Despite Agreement
Despite the announcement, airstrikes on Gaza persisted. Medics reported that an Israeli airstrike on Saturday morning in the Mawasi area near Khan Younis killed five individuals. This strike brought the death toll to 119 Palestinians since the ceasefire was first announced earlier in the week.
The ongoing violence underscores the fragility of the agreement, which aims to end a 15-month-long conflict. The fighting has devastated Gaza, displacing millions and claiming tens of thousands of lives.
Details of the Ceasefire Agreement
The ceasefire, structured in three stages, begins with an initial six-week phase. During this period, hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. Among the 98 Israeli hostages remaining, 33—primarily women, children, and elderly individuals are slated for release during this first phase.
In return, Israel has committed to releasing all Palestinian women and minors currently in custody. The initial group of 95 Palestinian prisoners set to be freed on Sunday was named by the Israeli Justice Ministry on Friday.
Following Sunday’s release, the deal stipulates a phased approach where additional hostages will be exchanged weekly. The first week will see four more female hostages freed, with subsequent weeks involving smaller releases of three hostages per week.
U.S. Negotiator Confirms Implementation
The agreement has been closely monitored by international mediators, with the United States playing a significant role in its negotiation. Brett McGurk, the lead U.S. negotiator, confirmed that all logistical details had been finalized. Speaking from the White House, McGurk expressed confidence in the plan’s execution, stating, “We are confident the ceasefire and initial hostage exchanges will proceed as planned on Sunday.”
Three female hostages are expected to be handed over to Israeli authorities by the Red Cross on Sunday afternoon.
Opposition from Israeli Cabinet Hardliners
The ceasefire agreement has faced fierce opposition from hardline members of Netanyahu’s coalition government. Of the cabinet’s ministers, 24 voted in favor of the deal, while eight opposed it. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a staunch critic of the ceasefire, labeled the agreement as a concession to Hamas and threatened resignation. However, he later clarified he would not withdraw his support for the government itself.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also voiced strong objections, warning that he might leave the government unless the ceasefire is abandoned after its initial six-week phase.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Gaza’s population, already grappling with dire conditions, has pinned hopes on the ceasefire for relief. The conflict has led to widespread destruction, leaving the population without adequate access to food, medicine, and shelter. International aid organizations, including the Palestinian relief agency, have prepared thousands of truckloads of humanitarian supplies to be delivered as soon as the truce takes hold.
One displaced resident, Reeham Sheikh al-Eid, expressed a longing for normalcy. “We hope this truce holds so we can cook in our homes again instead of waiting hours in line for food that might not even last the day,” she shared.
Broader Implications of the Truce
Beyond Gaza, the ceasefire could mark a turning point in regional stability. The conflict, which began in October 2023 following attacks on Israel that claimed over 1,200 lives, has widened to involve Iran-backed groups across the Middle East. Escalations in Lebanon, Yemen, and the occupied West Bank have raised concerns of a broader regional war.
While challenges remain, the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for a resolution to one of the most protracted and devastating conflicts in the region. If implemented successfully, it could pave the way for greater international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and foster long-term peace.