Ceasefire Agreement Signed by Israel and Hamas, Awaiting Netanyahu's Approval
Amid ongoing tensions, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas appears to be on the verge of implementation this week. In a statement released early Friday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that delegations from Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas have finalized an agreement in Doha, following mediation efforts by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt. This agreement had previously encountered delays due to last-minute differences.
As the situation evolves, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continue, resulting in tragic casualties; emergency services have reported over 100 fatalities, primarily among women and children, since the announcement of the potential ceasefire on Wednesday.
The Israeli security cabinet is currently convened to deliberate on the proposed agreement, with a broader government vote scheduled for Saturday evening, after the conclusion of the Jewish Sabbath. Should the agreement receive the expected approval, the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners is set to commence on Sunday, as originally planned, according to Netanyahu's office. Between the approval and the execution of the agreement, a period for legal challenges may arise but is not anticipated to obstruct the process.
Israeli media outlets have published the names of the 33 hostages earmarked for release in the initial phase of the agreement. This list includes two young children aged two and five, along with their parents, and three elderly individuals over the age of 80. French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that two of the hostages hold French nationality. The hostages also comprise humanitarian cases, including minors and individuals with health issues, though the exact status of all individuals remains uncertain.
Initially resistant to including military reservists in the first phase of the exchange, Hamas ultimately conceded to this stipulation. The group cited the ongoing airstrikes and security concerns as reasons for not providing a pre-release list of hostages. Despite this, Israel has agreed to the exchange without complete verification of the hostages' status, believing that most are alive, unlike those in the subsequent phases, where the risk of casualties is higher. Reports indicate that the first individuals to be released on Sunday will be three civilian women, followed by an additional four individuals a week later.
During the anticipated month-and-a-half period designated for the first phase, Israel plans to gradually withdraw its forces from Gaza, initiate the release of Palestinian prisoners (some of whom may be sent abroad), and facilitate the return of displaced persons to remaining habitable areas in northern Gaza.
Israeli newspapers reflect a palpable sense of anticipation regarding the return of hostages, a matter that resonates deeply within the national consciousness. However, not all officials express support for the agreement. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, known for his far-right stance, has threatened to resign should the agreement be approved and enacted, although he indicated that he would ensure Netanyahu's continued leadership and may return to the cabinet afterward. He characterized the ceasefire as "disastrous" and "irresponsible," warning that it would lead to the release of individuals he views as terrorists.
The crux of the agreement hinges on the negotiations between Netanyahu and Donald Trump, who is set to assume the U.S. presidency on Monday. Trump has appointed individuals aligned with far-right Israeli positions, which may impact future military actions in Gaza and policy regarding the West Bank and Iran.
