The Israeli government approved a cease-fire deal with Hamas early Saturday, which includes commitments for the release of dozens of hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. This agreement aims to establish a reprieve in the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has lasted for 15 months.
The cease-fire agreement will take effect on Sunday, following a full cabinet vote. The announcement from the Israeli prime minister’s office indicates a glimmer of hope for Palestinians, while Israelis express anxious anticipation for the return of captives taken by Hamas.
Daniel Lifshitz, whose grandfather is among the hostages, expressed a conflicted emotional state, noting the tension of preparing for both celebration and potential mourning. The initial attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities in Israel, prompting extensive bombardments that have reportedly killed over 46,000 Palestinians, as per Gazan health officials.
The cabinet's decision on Saturday followed an earlier approval by the security cabinet, which overcame significant hurdles, with U.S. and diplomatic stakeholders viewing this as a crucial opportunity to end hostilities in the region. President Isaac Herzog acknowledged challenges ahead, stating that the agreement would lead to difficult moments.
Under the terms of the cease-fire, a six-week truce will commence, during which Israeli forces will withdraw from populated areas. Hamas is to release 33 hostages, primarily women and elderly individuals, while Israel will also release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile cases like Khalida Jarrar.
The cease-fire obtained backing from 24 ministers, with eight opposing it, primarily from two far-right parties that decried the agreement. This marks the first truce since November 2023, when a temporary cease-fire facilitated the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Despite the celebrations, uncertainty looms regarding the future of the cease-fire, particularly the potential for a second phase and an enduring resolution that allows remaining hostages to return. Activists have expressed hopes but also concerns about the next steps in the negotiations.
Prime Minister Netanyahu faces internal dissent within his coalition, with threats from far-right partners to resign if the cease-fire is pursued further. This has added complexity to the situation, creating doubts about Israel's long-term commitment to a cease-fire.
The international community is also eyeing the cease-fire as an opportunity for lasting peace and reconstruction in Gaza, with U.S. officials advocating for accommodating Palestinian concerns. However, there remains skepticism regarding Israel's willingness to work towards a broader resolution.
Even as the cease-fire was announced, Israeli airstrikes continued, raising concerns among Gazans about the effectiveness of the truce. Reports indicate precarious living conditions in Gaza, with residents struggling with shortages of food and clean water.
The cease-fire is expected to facilitate increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. The World Health Organization anticipates a significant increase in aid deliveries and medical evacuations, although previous bureaucratic challenges have hindered progress in this area.
Aid workers are hopeful that the truce will enable medical transfers and improve conditions for displaced individuals in Gaza, although they caution that the success of these efforts hinges on the political will of all parties involved.