Ahead Of Trump's Inauguration, Israel Government Approves Ceasefire-Hostage Deal With Hamas

Ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, the Israeli cabinet has greenlighted a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas, setting the stage for the cessation of hostilities that have ravaged Gaza.

This accord, ratified by a significant majority of 24-8, is slated to commence on the upcoming Sunday, marking a pivotal shift towards peace. This development was announced in the wake of the cabinet's consensus, achieved in the wee hours of Saturday. The initiation of this agreement promises to begin the process of ending the ongoing conflict, alongside facilitating the exchange of Israeli captives and Palestinian detainees.

This resolution to bring the first chapter of the ceasefire into effect not only highlights the government’s intent to de-escalate tensions but also opens doors for the return of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The families of the 33 Israeli hostages, poised to be liberated in the initial phase of this truce, have been briefed by the government’s coordination unit for hostages and missing individuals.

Despite the uncertainty about how many of these hostages are still alive, there is an anticipation that the majority will return. Details regarding their health and condition are expected to be disclosed a week into the ceasefire, with identities revealed 24 hours prior to each release.

As the ceasefire unfolds, further negotiations will concentrate on the liberation of the remaining hostages, concluding the war, and the reconstruction of Gaza. The list includes 65 additional hostages still under Hamas' control, along with at least 36 confirmed deceased. This phase aims to address the broader aspects of the conflict's resolution and Gaza's future. However, there's growing pressure from Prime Minister Netanyahu's right-wing coalition partners and the families of the remaining hostages, who worry that the next phase might not materialize, leaving their loved ones in jeopardy.

The agreement, brokered in Doha after intense negotiations and with the United States and Qatar playing key mediation roles, aims to conclude over 15 months of conflict initiated by a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. This assault resulted in the tragic loss of over 1200 civilians and the capture of more than 250 individuals, approximately 100 of whom remain in captivity. In retaliation, Israel's extensive military campaign targeted Hamas factions within Gaza, a move that has been met with international scrutiny over the significant civilian casualties incurred.

Critics have pointed out the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded in Gaza due to the Israeli counter-strikes, with the Gaza health ministry reporting over 45,000 fatalities, half of whom were women and children. The ceasefire and hostage release deal thus represent a crucial step towards mitigating further loss of life and moving towards a resolution of the conflict that has had devastating impacts on both sides.

The development comes just on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration.