In a significant breakthrough, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has confirmed that a ceasefire deal has been finalized between Israel and Hamas, which includes a hostage exchange and the delivery of humanitarian aid. The agreement, brokered by the United States and Qatar, awaits approval by Israel’s political-security cabinet later today.
The announcement follows intense negotiations that culminated in representatives from Israel, Hamas, the United States, and Qatar signing the agreement in Doha. Israeli officials stated that families of the hostages had been notified of the development.
The proposed ceasefire is set to commence on Sunday, pending cabinet ratification. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani confirmed the agreement, while Netanyahu extended gratitude to US President Joe Biden for his role in facilitating the deal. Delays in the cabinet vote on Thursday were attributed to last-minute disputes over the terms, but Netanyahu assured that outstanding details had now been resolved.
Key Aspects of the Deal
The ceasefire’s initial phase spans six weeks and involves the exchange of 33 hostages—comprising women, children, and the elderly—for Palestinian detainees. During this period, Israeli forces will reposition away from densely populated areas in Gaza, enabling displaced Palestinians to return to their homes. Humanitarian aid deliveries will also resume daily.
Subsequent phases will focus on the release of the remaining hostages, a complete withdrawal of Israeli military forces, and efforts to restore calm. The final stage of the agreement envisions the repatriation of the remains of deceased hostages and the reconstruction of Gaza—a process expected to take years.
Despite Hamas’ commitment to the agreement, reports indicate the group sought additional amendments to include specific prisoners in the exchange. Israeli officials confirmed the deal’s finalization but emphasized its implementation hinges on cabinet approval.
Opposition and Political Implications
Two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, have voiced strong opposition to the agreement, even threatening to resign in protest. However, they have pledged not to destabilize the government, provided military operations resume after the first phase concludes in six weeks.
Background and Humanitarian Impact
The deal follows Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, launched in response to the 7 October 2023 attack that claimed 1,200 lives and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry, operated by Hamas, has reported over 46,788 fatalities, with widespread destruction displacing much of the territory’s population. Gaza continues to face critical shortages of food, medicine, and shelter amid ongoing military strikes.
Currently, Israeli authorities state that 94 hostages remain in Hamas custody, with 34 believed to have died. Four Israelis abducted prior to the war remain unaccounted for, with two presumed dead.
The finalization of this deal marks a pivotal step towards de-escalation, offering hope for the release of hostages and the delivery of much-needed humanitarian relief to Gaza. However, the long-term success of the agreement will depend on the cooperation of both parties and continued international mediation.