Israel approves ceasefire deal with Hamas paving way for hostages, release and troop withdrawal
Jerusalem (The Uttam Hindu): The Israeli security cabinet has given approval to a ceasefire agreement that paves the way for the release of hostages from Gaza and a halt to the 15-month-long war between Israel and Hamas. This ceasefire, expected to take effect on Sunday is designed to address the devastating impact of the conflict which has ravaged Gaza causing significant loss of life and widespread displacement.
Under the agreement, Hamas is set to release 33 Israeli hostages including women, children and men over the age of 50. In exchange, Israel will release 95 Palestinian prisoners in the initial phase. This exchange will expand as more hostages are freed with the potential for up to 1,650 Palestinian prisoners to be released over the course of the deal. Despite the ceasefire announcement, heavy Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza with 116 Palestinians killed since the deal was revealed, according to local authorities. Many of the victims were women and children. The ceasefire, brokered through mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and provisions to increase humanitarian aid deliveries to the area.
The deal has faced opposition from some members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition who view it as a concession to Hamas. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have expressed dissatisfaction with Ben-Gvir threatening to resign. The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel has led to significant casualties and hostilities spreading across the region. The agreement aims to provide relief for those affected in Gaza while attempting to reduce tensions throughout the Middle East. With the ceasefire’s implementation, efforts to release hostages and deliver much-needed aid to Gaza will begin, marking a critical step toward addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the prolonged conflict.
