Israel’s Cabinet is expected to approve a ceasefire agreement on Friday, following intense negotiations, including a deal that would see the release of hostages and a significant humanitarian relief effort into Gaza.
The agreement, which could take effect Sunday, would mark a pivotal step toward de-escalating the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. It includes a 42-day ceasefire, during which Israeli forces would withdraw from certain areas of Gaza. The deal also calls for a large influx of humanitarian aid into the region and an exchange of Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons, according to U.S. President Joe Biden.
However, the deal has sparked political tension in Israel. On Thursday, Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s far-right national security minister, warned that his faction would withdraw from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government if the agreement were approved. While Ben Gvir’s departure would not immediately topple Netanyahu’s coalition, it could signal the start of a broader political shift, with other parties potentially following suit.
A senior Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that both sides reached a final agreement early Friday after extensive talks.
The first phase of the deal, which would ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and bring relief to the over 200 Israeli hostages held by Hamas for more than 15 months, is expected to go into effect soon after approval. Biden indicated that the next phase of negotiations would focus on securing the full release of all hostages, the total withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a permanent ceasefire.
This deal follows a meeting between Israeli and Hamas representatives mediated by the U.S. and other international actors, after a prolonged and devastating conflict.