Conflict

Israel approves ceasefire with Hamas: Hostage releases and humanitarian aid in focus

Residents sift through rubble in search of belongings after Israeli strikes devastate Gaza. Photo: [Wikimedia Commons]

Israel’s Cabinet approved a ceasefire deal early Saturday aimed at ending the 15-month war with Hamas in Gaza, Associated Press reported.

The agreement, mediated by Qatar and the US and announced on Wednesday, was delayed as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited last-minute complications attributed to Hamas.

The ceasefire, only the second achieved during the conflict, will begin on Sunday, though details such as the identities and statuses of 33 hostages to be released in the initial six-week phase remain uncertain.

The Cabinet convened beyond the start of the Jewish Sabbath, underscoring the significance of the moment. According to Jewish law, Israeli government activities are typically suspended during the Sabbath except in cases of emergency.

Netanyahu directed a special task force to prepare for the return of hostages from Gaza, informing their families of the reached agreement. Additionally, hundreds of Palestinian detainees are set to be released, and Gaza, which has suffered significant damage, is expected to receive increased humanitarian aid.

In the first phase of the agreement, Israel’s justice ministry disclosed a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners to be freed, starting no earlier than 4 pm local time on Sunday. The prisoners listed are either young or female. Unlike the previous ceasefire where the International Committee of the Red Cross handled transportation, Israel’s Prison Services will manage transportation this time to avoid public displays of celebration.

The prisoners are accused of offences including incitement, vandalism, supporting terrorism, attempted murder, and throwing stones or Molotov cocktails.

On the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing into Gaza, trucks carrying aid were queued up ahead of the ceasefire. An Israeli delegation from the military and Shin Bet internal security agency travelled to Cairo to discuss the reopening of the crossing. Both sides confirmed the delegation’s visit on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

During the first phase of the ceasefire, Israeli forces will withdraw from various parts of Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to what remains of their homes. Israel’s military emphasised that areas where troops are still present or near the Israel-Gaza border pose a threat and will be met with a strong response.

Since October 7, Israel launched a significant offensive that, according to local health officials, has claimed the lives of over 46,000 Palestinians, with a majority being women and children. Fighting persisted until Friday, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting additional casualties.

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