Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, end Gaza conflict
The Israeli government has officially approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, set to take effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025. This decision follows extensive discussions within the cabinet and marks a significant step towards ending the prolonged conflict in Gaza, which has lasted over 15 months.
Hostage Exchange: The agreement includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including women and children, in exchange for all Palestinian women and children under 19 currently held in Israeli prisons. This exchange is part of a broader three-phase plan aimed at resolving the conflict and facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Duration and Conditions: The ceasefire will initially last for six weeks. During this period, Israeli military forces are expected to withdraw from heavily populated areas in Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home. Additionally, humanitarian aid will be significantly increased, with hundreds of aid trucks permitted to enter the region daily.
Phased Approach: Following the initial phase, discussions will commence on a more comprehensive resolution to the conflict. The second phase will involve further exchanges of hostages and Palestinian detainees, while the final phase will focus on reconstruction efforts in Gaza and the recovery of any remaining hostages’ remains.
Despite some opposition from hardline ministers within Netanyahu’s cabinet, who voted against the deal, a majority supported it. The approval comes after a period of tension and accusations between Israel and Hamas regarding compliance with previous agreements.
The agreement was mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, highlighting international involvement in seeking a resolution to this long-standing conflict.
This ceasefire agreement brings hope for a reduction in hostilities and aims to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over 46,000 lives have been lost since the conflict began.
