The Israeli cabinet is poised to approve a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, marking a significant step toward de-escalating the 15-month-long conflict in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed early Friday that agreements had been reached for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The security cabinet is expected to meet Friday, with the full cabinet anticipated to finalize the deal shortly after. The timing of the ceasefire’s commencement, initially planned for Sunday, remains uncertain due to potential delays in cabinet approval. The White House expressed confidence in the agreement’s progress, with spokesperson John Kirby stating that there were no indications of derailment.
A key feature of the six-week truce involves the release of 33 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel. Families of Israeli hostages urged swift action, highlighting the harrowing conditions their loved ones face. “Each night is another night of terrible nightmare,” the group representing hostage families emphasized.
The truce, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, also aims to facilitate increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, where over two million people face severe displacement, hunger, and illness. Despite the truce announcement on Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes continued to devastate Gaza, with at least 86 reported casualties on Thursday alone, according to Palestinian authorities.
In Gaza, the hope spurred by the ceasefire gave way to grief and anger. Tamer Abu Shaaban mourned the loss of his young niece, killed by shrapnel while playing in a schoolyard. “Is this the truce they are talking about? What did this child do to deserve this?” he questioned.
Inside Israel, reactions to the deal were mixed. Hardliners in Netanyahu’s government opposed the ceasefire, arguing the war’s objective of dismantling Hamas remains unfulfilled. However, a majority of ministers are expected to support the agreement, which also faced public protests. Demonstrators in Jerusalem marched with mock coffins, expressing discontent with the decision, while others blocked roads before being dispersed by security forces.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen launched a surprise attack on Israeli border communities, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli casualties and the abduction of more than 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has claimed over 46,000 lives and displaced most of its 2.3 million residents, according to local authorities.
If implemented, the ceasefire could provide temporary relief and a potential path toward broader peace, although significant challenges remain.
