Israel's Full Cabinet Meets to Discuss Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Amid Political Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, aiming to pause the 15-month conflict and release hostages. The security Cabinet had earlier recommended approval, and the full Cabinet was expected to endorse it. The ceasefire could begin as early as Sunday. However, Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners have expressed strong opposition, potentially threatening the stability of his government.

The Israeli Cabinet convened beyond the start of the Jewish sabbath, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Typically, government activities halt for the sabbath unless it's a life-or-death emergency. Pressure from both US President Joe Biden's administration and President-elect Donald Trump has been mounting on Israel and Hamas to finalise a deal before Trump's inauguration on Monday.

Ceasefire Agreement Details

Mediators from Qatar and the US announced the ceasefire on Wednesday, but it faced delays due to last-minute issues cited by Netanyahu, which he attributed to Hamas. Despite these challenges, Hamas remained committed to the agreement. Meanwhile, Gaza residents and hostage families awaited confirmation of the deal's implementation.

The conflict began with Hamas's cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 captives. Nearly 100 hostages remain. Israel's retaliatory offensive has claimed over 46,000 Palestinian lives, with women and children comprising more than half of those casualties, according to local health officials.

Hostage Release Plan

Netanyahu directed a task force to prepare for hostages' return from Gaza, informing their families about the deal. If approved, the ceasefire could commence on Sunday with initial hostage releases. The agreement outlines that 33 hostages will be freed over six weeks in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The Israeli justice ministry released a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners slated for release in the first phase, all being younger individuals or females. This release will not occur before 4 pm local time on Sunday. Israeli forces will withdraw from many Gaza areas, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return home and receive humanitarian aid.

Challenges Ahead

As Israeli forces withdraw gradually, residents cannot return to areas where troops remain or near the Israel-Gaza border. Any threats to Israeli forces will be met with strong responses. The second phase involves releasing remaining hostages, including male soldiers, which will require further negotiation during the first phase.

Hamas demands a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal before releasing remaining captives. Israel insists on dismantling Hamas and maintaining security control over Gaza. Long-term questions about Gaza's governance and reconstruction remain unresolved.

An Egyptian official reported that an Israeli delegation arrived in Cairo to discuss reopening the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. An Israeli official confirmed this delegation's presence in Cairo for negotiations.

Internal Opposition

Israel's national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if the ceasefire is approved. He reiterated this stance on social media platform X: "If the deal passes, we will leave the government with a heavy heart." Although his resignation wouldn't topple the government or halt the deal, it could destabilise Netanyahu's administration if other key allies follow suit.

The ongoing conflict has destabilised the Middle East and triggered global protests. Fighting persisted into Friday, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting 88 bodies arriving at hospitals within 24 hours. Historically, both sides have intensified military actions before ceasefires to project strength.