Israel Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Swap Deal

Israel's cabinet has approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, allowing for the release of Israeli hostages and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners. The deal is set to take effect on Sunday following a late-night decision. The agreement was finalized after days of negotiations led by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, and marks a crucial development after over 15 months of conflict.

The deal's first phase will see 33 Israeli hostages released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. In return, Israeli forces will begin withdrawing from Gaza's densely populated areas, and aid convoys will be allowed to enter. Additionally, displaced Palestinians will begin returning to their homes.

Negotiations for the second phase, which will aim to secure the release of remaining hostages and a complete Israeli withdrawal, will begin after 16 days. The final phase will focus on Gaza’s reconstruction, a process that may take years.

The first group of hostages to be freed will include women, children, the elderly, and the sick. Israel anticipates that three hostages will be released on the first day, with additional groups freed over the following weeks. Some hostages' families have expressed anxiety over the uncertainty of the second and third phases and have urged the Israeli government to ensure full implementation of the deal.

Despite the broad support for the agreement within Israel's government, two far-right ministers opposed it, citing concerns over the release of convicted terrorists. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir even threatened to withdraw his party from the coalition if the deal went through.

Tensions remain high in Gaza, where hostilities have continued despite the announced ceasefire. Since the deal was made public, more than 100 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes, underscoring the fragile nature of the situation.

Negotiations for implementing the deal are being monitored closely, with international mediators ensuring compliance through a joint operations room involving Egyptian, Qatari, US, Palestinian, and Israeli representatives. The aid flow into Gaza is expected to increase significantly, with plans to facilitate up to 600 aid trucks per day, a significant jump from the current average.

The deal’s success remains contingent on both sides adhering to the agreed terms, as tensions in Gaza continue to run high, particularly among families of the hostages and Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire.