Israeli government approves Hamas ceasefire deal
The Israeli government has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas after intense negotiations that lasted into the early hours of Saturday. The deal, which includes the release of hostages, a prisoner exchange and a temporary cessation of hostilities in Gaza, is due to begin at 12.15 local time (11.30 Belgian time) on Sunday.
After a seven-hour cabinet debate, 24 ministers voted in favour of the deal, while eight, mainly from far-right Zionist parties, opposed it. Ministers from the Religious Zionism party and the Otzma Yehudit party were among those voting against. Right-wing Likud members David Amsalem and Amichai Chikli also voted against.
Negotiations stretched into the Jewish Sabbath, with ultra-Orthodox ministers leaving written notes expressing their support. These votes were crucial in securing the majority, according to the Jerusalem Post. Although opponents can appeal to the Supreme Court within 24 hours, intervention is considered unlikely.
First phase
The first phase of the deal includes a 42-day ceasefire in Gaza, the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Justice Minister Yariv Levin confirmed the release of 737 Palestinian prisoners, to begin on Sunday afternoon.
In addition, Israeli forces will withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip and displaced Gazans will regain freedom of movement, including returning to their homes in the north. Details of subsequent phases are still being negotiated, but the agreement marks a significant step after months of escalating violence.
A boy runs with a Palestinian flag atop a mound of rubble at a camp for people displaced by conflict in Bureij in the central Gaza Strip on January 17, 2025 following the announcement of a truce amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. © Eyad BABA / AFP
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