Israel’s Security Cabinet Approves Ceasefire Deal in Gaza/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morening Edition/ Israel’s security Cabinet recommended approval of a ceasefire deal with Hamas to end a 15-month war in Gaza. The agreement, brokered by Qatar and the U.S., includes the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, set to begin Sunday. However, objections from far-right coalition partners threaten political stability in Israel.
Ceasefire Deal in Gaza: Quick Looks
- Ceasefire Progress: Israel’s security Cabinet approves truce; full Cabinet vote pending.
- Hostage Release: 33 hostages to be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
- Humanitarian Aid: Ceasefire would allow displaced Palestinians to return and aid to flow.
- Hamas Stance: Demands a lasting truce and Israeli withdrawal for full hostage release.
- Political Tensions: Far-right leaders, like Ben-Gvir, oppose the deal, threatening government stability.
- Global Mediation: Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. played key roles in brokering the agreement.
Israel’s Security Cabinet Approves Ceasefire Deal in Gaza
Deep Look
Israel’s security Cabinet took a significant step on Friday by recommending the approval of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, signaling a potential pause in the 15-month war that has devastated Gaza. The full Cabinet is expected to finalize the deal, with implementation as early as Sunday.
Ceasefire Details
The agreement, facilitated by mediators from Qatar and the United States, centers on the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Under the deal’s first phase, 33 hostages held in Gaza will be freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. Additionally, the ceasefire would allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and enable hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to their homes.
The second phase, expected to be more contentious, involves negotiations for the release of remaining hostages, including male soldiers. Hamas has demanded a lasting truce and a complete Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists on dismantling Hamas and retaining security control over Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis
The ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for a region battered by war. Gaza has suffered immense destruction, with over 46,000 Palestinians killed, including many women and children, according to local health officials. Nearly 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, living in dire conditions with limited access to food and medical care.
Israeli airstrikes continued as the deal progressed, killing at least 72 Palestinians on Thursday. Both sides have historically ramped up military operations ahead of ceasefires to project strength, further escalating the humanitarian toll.
Mediators and Challenges
The negotiations overcame last-minute disputes over the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released, with both Egyptian and Hamas officials confirming that the issues had been resolved. An Israeli delegation traveled to Cairo to discuss the reopening of the Rafah crossing, a crucial link between Gaza and Egypt.
Political Divisions in Israel
The ceasefire has ignited fierce debate within Israel. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to resign, calling the deal a dangerous concession to Hamas. While his departure wouldn’t immediately topple the government, it could destabilize Netanyahu’s coalition at a critical moment.
Netanyahu faces the dual challenge of securing his coalition while addressing international pressure to end the conflict. He acknowledged the deal’s delicate nature, emphasizing the need for “political courage and compromise” to make the ceasefire durable.
Looking Forward
As Israel prepares for the full Cabinet’s decision, the ceasefire represents a pivotal opportunity to halt the devastating war. However, significant hurdles remain, including the broader question of Gaza’s postwar governance and reconstruction. The success of the agreement will depend on sustained diplomacy and cooperation from all parties involved.
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