The Israeli government has officially approved a landmark agreement with Hamas to implement a ceasefire and hostage exchange, scheduled to take effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025. The announcement came from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office after an extended cabinet session.
The decision was endorsed by the full 33-member cabinet after a marathon seven-hour deliberation, following a prior recommendation from the smaller security cabinet.
In a brief statement, Netanyahu’s office confirmed:
“The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages’ release will come into effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Shabbat Shalom.”
Details of the Agreement
The ceasefire agreement marks the end of a 15-month conflict in Gaza, a period of intense violence that claimed the lives of over 1,100 Israelis and 46,000 Palestinians. Mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, the deal is structured in three phases:
1. Hostage Release:
Beginning Sunday, Hamas will release 33 hostages, prioritizing children, female soldiers, and individuals who are wounded or critically ill.
In exchange, Israel will release an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners.
2. Ceasefire Implementation:
Both parties will agree to halt all offensive operations and military engagements during the first 42 days of the deal.
3. Long-Term Stability:
Efforts will focus on rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure and facilitating humanitarian aid while fostering discussions for a lasting peace agreement.
Political Controversy
The agreement has sparked a fierce debate within the Israeli government, exposing deep divisions in Netanyahu’s coalition:
Hardline Opposition:
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Jewish Power party, has condemned the deal and threatened to withdraw his faction from the coalition.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism party has also voiced strong objections, arguing that the release of Palestinian prisoners poses a security threat to Israel.
Judicial Challenges:
Israel’s Supreme Court is set to hear appeals from groups opposing the prisoner exchange, though their rulings are unlikely to delay the ceasefire’s implementation.
International Mediation and Implications
The ceasefire deal highlights the role of international mediators in brokering peace in one of the world’s most protracted conflicts. Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. played pivotal roles in facilitating negotiations, with both sides under pressure to halt the devastating human and economic toll of the conflict.
While the agreement represents a significant step toward de-escalation, its success hinges on sustained compliance and broader political efforts to address the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As both nations prepare for the ceasefire, the world watches closely, hopeful for peace but wary of the fragile nature of such agreements.
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