Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that an agreement had been reached to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. This development follows earlier reports of last-minute obstacles in finalizing a ceasefire that would bring an end to 15 months of conflict.
Netanyahu stated that he would convene his security Cabinet later on Friday, followed by a government session, to formally approve the agreement. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Israel remains committed to achieving all its wartime objectives, including the return of both living and deceased hostages.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has persisted since October 7, 2023, when Gaza-based militants infiltrated Israel, killing over 1,200 civilians and taking many hostage. In response, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians, leading to allegations of war crimes against Israel, which the government denies.
The proposed deal reportedly involves a temporary ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, and provisions for displaced Palestinians to return to Gaza. However, Israeli airstrikes continued on Thursday, killing at least 72 individuals in the region.
Tensions surrounding the ceasefire deal heightened as Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of reneging on certain parts of the agreement. Hamas denied these claims, with senior official Izzat al-Rishq asserting the group’s commitment to the mediator-brokered agreement.
The deal has faced opposition from within Netanyahu’s far-right coalition. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if the ceasefire agreement was approved, reflecting internal divisions over the decision.
