A potential ceasefire in Gaza may begin Sunday, following Israel’s security cabinet’s approval of a deal with Hamas to release hostages. While 33 hostages are expected to be freed, far-right political opposition poses challenges to the agreement. The ceasefire will also facilitate daily aid supplies to Gaza. Ongoing discussions will address remaining hostages, with Hamas demanding a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces, while the likelihood of sustained peace remains uncertain.
Starting Sunday, a significant shift may occur in Gaza as the potential for silence among the guns rises, alongside the anticipated release of hostages following the approval of an agreement by Israel’s security cabinet with Hamas. Nevertheless, certain uncertainties remain.
The Israeli security cabinet has officially endorsed a deal with Hamas designed to facilitate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and manage the release of hostages. This announcement was made by the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Before the agreement can take effect, it must receive approval from the broader government cabinet, which is also expected to happen. According to Netanyahu’s office, a cabinet meeting has been scheduled for later today.
Residents of Gaza are hopeful for an end to the ongoing conflict.
Opposition from Far-Right Politicians
The security cabinet’s decision was anticipated despite some resistance from far-right political figures. Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich cast their votes against the proposal, as reported by the Israeli news outlet ynet.
Both had previously indicated their opposition to this step. Prime Minister Netanyahu is reliant on these coalition partners to maintain his position in power. Ben-Gvir expressed on X that he might resign, stating, “If the ‘deal’ is accepted, we will leave the government with a heavy heart.”
While his exit would not topple the government or jeopardize the agreement, it could destabilize the administration at a crucial juncture, potentially leading to its collapse if other key allies of Netanyahu joined the security minister’s dissent. Reports suggest that Netanyahu has struck a deal with Finance Minister Smotrich to remain in the government.
Initially, 33 hostages are slated for release. What more can we expect?
Release of 33 Hostages Over Six Weeks
Mediators from Qatar and U.S. President Joe Biden recently announced that Israel and Hamas reached an agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and the release of hostages held by Palestinian extremists. The ceasefire is set to begin on Sunday at 12:15 PM (11:15 AM CET).
During this ceasefire, 33 hostages currently held by extremists in Gaza are expected to be released. According to sources from Hamas, three Israeli women will be the first to be freed on Sunday evening.
The Red Cross, along with Egyptian and Qatari teams, is expected to receive the hostages on Sunday evening. They will then be transported to Egypt and handed over to the Israeli side, where their medical needs will be attended to.
Contentious Issues Surrounding Prisoner Releases
In exchange for the hostages, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are to be released from Israeli detention, and the Israeli military is expected to withdraw from significant areas of the Gaza Strip.
A representative from Egypt and a member of Hamas indicated that last-minute issues had arisen concerning the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released in the initial phase; however, these were resolved.
In fact, reaching an agreement on this issue was the final hurdle that the Israeli security cabinet needed to clear before approving the deal. Late Friday night, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that an agreement had been finalized.
Hamas Demands Permanent Withdrawal
During the ceasefire, discussions will be held regarding the remaining hostages, who are expected to be released in a second, more challenging phase. Hamas has insisted that it will only release the remaining prisoners following a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. In response, Israel has pledged to continue its operations until Hamas is dismantled and intends to maintain security control over Gaza indefinitely.
The likelihood of the ceasefire holding is uncertain, as noted by Julio Segador.
Daily Aid Supplies Set for Gaza
According to the state-affiliated Egyptian television channel Al-Kahera News, mediating nations Egypt, Qatar, and the USA held technical discussions in Cairo about the ‘mechanisms for implementing the ceasefire agreement.’ It was also agreed that 600 trucks loaded with aid supplies would enter the Gaza Strip daily.
An Egyptian official reported that a delegation from the Israeli military and another from the Shin Bet intelligence service arrived in Cairo this morning to negotiate the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, a critical link between Gaza and Egypt. This information was corroborated by Israeli sources.
Claims of Success by Trump
Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed understanding for the concerns in Israel regarding the agreement with the radical group Hamas, yet emphasized that “the time for such a compromise has come.” Along with the demand for the release of all hostages, including those holding German citizenship, the chancellor urged Hamas to “lay down its weapons once and for all.”
If all parties adhere to the agreement starting Sunday, a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip would be implemented just one day before the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has already touted this as a personal success, stating, “If we had not been involved in this agreement, it would never have come about,” during an interview on Thursday.