In a significant development in the Israel-Gaza conflict, Israel’s security cabinet is set to meet on Friday to discuss a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, even as Israeli airstrikes continue to pound Gaza. The meeting, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, comes after negotiators reached a deal for the release of hostages as part of the truce.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, Israeli warplanes have maintained intense strikes in Gaza, with Palestinian authorities reporting at least 86 deaths in the past 24 hours. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they had targeted approximately 50 sites across the Gaza Strip during this period.
Delay in Ceasefire Approval Raises Concerns
Israel’s decision to postpone the meetings initially planned for Thursday to vote on the agreement has raised concerns that the delay could hinder the start of the truce. Netanyahu emphasized that there would be no meeting until “Hamas accepts all elements of the agreement,” a move that risked derailing months of diplomatic efforts to end the 15-month conflict.
The unexpected delay fueled fears that last-minute disagreements could still unravel the deal. However, Netanyahu’s office indicated in the early hours of Friday that approval was imminent, with the security cabinet scheduled to convene that morning.
Hostage Release Preparations Underway
According to the Israeli statement, hostage families have been informed, and preparations have begun to receive the 33 individuals set to be released in the first six-week phase of the deal. A group representing the families urged Netanyahu to proceed quickly, stating, “For the 98 hostages, each night is another night of terrible nightmare. Do not delay their return even for one more night.”
Reports suggest that Hamas is expected to release the names of the hostages to be freed only on the day of their release, with Israel making their identities public after they have been handed over to the IDF.
US Envoys Work to Resolve Last-Minute Disputes
US officials revealed that the last-minute dispute in the negotiations centered on the identities of some prisoners Hamas wanted to be released. Envoys of both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump were in Doha with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, working to resolve the issue. Trump urged that a ceasefire “better be done before I take the oath of office” next week.
Controversial Moves Ahead of Prisoner Release
In a controversial decision, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Friday that he would free West Bank settlers held without charge under administrative detention ahead of the release of Palestinian prisoners. Katz stated that this move was intended to “convey a clear message of strengthening and encouraging the [West Bank] settlements, which are at the forefront of the struggle against Palestinian terrorism and facing growing security challenges.”
Meanwhile, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Netanyahu’s hardline national security minister, declared on Thursday evening that he would quit the government if it ratified the ceasefire deal in Gaza, claiming it would “erase the achievements of the war” by releasing Palestinian militants and ceding territory in Gaza. However, while this threat is a blow to Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir’s departure would not bring down the prime minister’s government.
Ceasefire Deal Phases and Reconstruction Plans
The ceasefire deal, finalized in Doha after weeks of talks, largely follows the contours of a truce agreement set out last May. The first phase, lasting 42 days, will see Hamas release 33 hostages, including children, women, and those aged over 50. In exchange, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners at a ratio of 50 for every female Israeli soldier and 30 for other hostages.
The first phase will also allow displaced Palestinians to move freely around the Gaza Strip, which Israel has divided with a military corridor. Wounded individuals are supposed to be evacuated for treatment abroad, and aid to the territory should increase to 600 trucks a day, surpassing the 500 minimum that aid agencies say is needed to contain Gaza’s devastating humanitarian crisis.
In the second phase, the remaining living hostages would be sent back, with a corresponding ratio of Palestinian prisoners freed, and Israel would completely withdraw from the territory. The specifics are subject to further negotiations set to begin 16 days into the first phase.
The third phase would address the exchange of bodies of deceased hostages and Hamas members, and a reconstruction plan for Gaza would be launched. However, arrangements for the future governance of the strip remain unclear, with Israel rejecting the suggestion of the Palestinian Authority’s return to Gaza.
Devastating Impact of the Israel-Gaza War
The Israel-Gaza war, spanning more than 15 months, has claimed the lives of over 46,000 Palestinians and devastated most of Gaza’s infrastructure. The International Court of Justice is currently investigating claims that Israel has committed genocide.
As the world awaits the outcome of Israel’s security cabinet meeting and the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the hope for lasting peace and the rebuilding of shattered lives in Gaza hangs in the balance.
