Israel’s cabinet is expected to convene Thursday to approve a ceasefire and hostage-exchange deal with Hamas, Israeli media reported, following an announcement by mediators of an agreement that could pave the way for a permanent end to the Gaza war.
The proposed truce, set to begin Sunday, includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and outlines steps toward finalizing a broader peace framework, according to Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani.
The agreement comes after months of failed negotiations to end the deadliest conflict in Gaza’s history, just days before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, whose Middle East envoy participated in the talks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who discussed the agreement with both U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Trump, thanked them for their support but noted that “final details” are still under discussion.
Key Aspects of the Agreement
• Ceasefire and Initial Exchange: The truce will initially last 42 days, during which 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, will be released. Palestinian prisoners will also be freed in exchange.
• Military Withdrawal: Israeli forces will pull back from Gaza’s densely populated areas to facilitate exchanges and allow displaced residents to return home.
• Humanitarian Aid: The deal will allow for increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza, with Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. monitoring implementation through a Cairo-based body.
Reactions to the Agreement
• Celebrations and Concerns: Thousands across Gaza and Israel welcomed the news, with demonstrators in Tel Aviv rejoicing. However, some Israeli cabinet ministers, including far-right officials, criticized the deal as a security risk.
• International Support: Biden praised the agreement as a breakthrough, expressing confidence in its success and emphasizing the need for continued humanitarian aid. Trump, meanwhile, attributed the agreement to his election victory and promised further cooperation with Israel.
A Path Toward Peace
The deal, if implemented successfully, could mark a significant step toward ending the war, which has devastated Gaza and led to unprecedented casualties. Mediators and international leaders have called for all parties to uphold the agreement’s terms, with hopes that it will open the door to lasting peace in the region.