Israel approves deal with Hamas

Israel approves deal with Hamas on ceasefire and hostage release

The Israeli government approved a deal with Hamas on a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza. The decision was made in the early hours of Saturday, following more than seven hours of deliberations.

According to the Israeli Prime Minister's office and local media, the cabinet meeting, which was scheduled to begin at 15:30, did not start until 18:30. In the resulting vote, 24 ministers supported the deal, while eight voted against. The dissenters included representatives of the "Otzma Yehudit" party and several ministers from the "Likud" party, including David Amsalem and Amihai Chikhi.

The cabinet meeting continued until the onset of the Sabbath, which meant that Haredi ministers (representatives of the religious party) expressed their position in written form in support of the deal.

“The government approved the framework for the return of hostages. These measures will take effect on Sunday, 19 January 2025,” the Prime Minister's office said in a statement.

Following the approval of the deal, opponents of the decision have 24 hours to file an appeal with the Israeli Supreme Court. However, even if the court continues to hear appeals regarding the release of Palestinian prisoners, the deal is not expected to be prevented from taking effect.

It is expected that three hostages will be released on the first day of the deal. This will mark the first respite for Gaza's residents in over a year and will open the way for humanitarian aid to the enclave.

In addition, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed the cabinet that newly elected US President Donald Trump has expressed full support for resuming military operations if Hamas violates the deal before the start of the second phase. 

Trump also stated his intention to unfreeze weapons supplies that had been frozen by incumbent President Joe Biden, whose term in office is coming to an end.