Israel Approves Ceasefire Agreement For Hostage Release, Set To Take Effect Sunday

Israel has approved a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Following a lengthy cabinet meeting, the Israeli government confirmed the deal. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the framework for hostages’ release will take effect on Sunday.

In the meeting, 24 ministers voted in favor, while eight opposed the deal. The first phase of the agreement includes the release of three Israeli women and 95 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, as reported by Xinhua.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ministers he had received assurances from US President-elect Donald Trump. Trump reportedly promised to halt arms supplies to Israel if the ceasefire is violated. Netanyahu emphasized that the backing would allow Israel to resume fighting if the agreement is breached.

The full cabinet meeting followed a vote by Israel’s restricted security cabinet, which had approved the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostage deal on Friday. However, far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich opposed the agreement. They demanded a commitment from the government to resume fighting in Gaza after the first phase, which involves Hamas releasing 33 Israeli hostages.

Hamas announced on Friday that disputes had been resolved, affirming its commitment to the full terms of the deal. The ceasefire also includes provisions for humanitarian aid to Gaza. The UN relief agency, UNRWA, has 4,000 truckloads of aid ready to enter Gaza, where displaced Palestinians are awaiting food, fuel, and medicine.