The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that an agreement has been reached for the release of hostages.
The political-security cabinet is set to approve the ceasefire arrangement later on Friday, following delays attributed to last-minute disputes over the terms of the deal.
On Friday morning, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israeli negotiators had finalised the agreement, paving the way for cabinet ratification. The families of the hostages have been informed of the development. Israeli media reports that representatives from Israel, Hamas, the United States, and Qatar formally signed the agreement in Doha.
The ceasefire plan, initially disclosed by mediators from the United States and Qatar on Wednesday, is set to begin on Sunday, contingent upon cabinet approval in Israel. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani confirmed that all parties had agreed to the terms. Netanyahu expressed gratitude to US President Joe Biden for supporting the negotiations, though he cited unresolved details as the reason for Thursday’s postponed cabinet vote.
Hamas, while affirming its commitment to the deal, reportedly sought additional amendments, including the inclusion of certain members in the prisoner exchange. However, Israeli officials have indicated that the deal has now been finalised. Implementation remains dependent on the approval of Israel’s security cabinet and government.
Two far-right ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, have voiced strong opposition to the deal, vowing to resign in protest. Despite their stance, they have assured they will not destabilise the government, provided military operations resume in six weeks when the first phase of the agreement concludes.
The ceasefire’s initial phase, spanning six weeks, involves the exchange of 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, for Palestinian detainees. During this period, Israeli forces will reposition away from densely populated areas in Gaza. Displaced Palestinians are expected to return to their homes, with the facilitation of daily humanitarian aid deliveries.
Subsequent phases will aim to secure the release of remaining hostages, a complete Israeli military withdrawal, and the restoration of calm. The agreement’s final stage envisions the repatriation of the remains of deceased hostages and the reconstruction of Gaza, a process anticipated to take years.
Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, designated as a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States, and other countries, began following the unprecedented 7 October 2023 attack. This assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry, managed by Hamas, reports over 46,788 fatalities, with widespread destruction displacing much of the territory’s population. Critical shortages of food, medicine, and shelter persist amid ongoing military strikes.
According to Israeli authorities, 94 hostages remain in Hamas custody, with 34 believed to have died. Additionally, four Israelis abducted prior to the war remain unaccounted for, with two presumed dead.
Frances Ibiefo
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