The Israeli government agreed to a ceasefire agreement with Hamas early Saturday morning.
The contract was published earlier this weekwhen negotiators revealed progress in talks between the two parties in Doha, Qatar, after 15 months of fighting. That deal was debated for hours before it passed Israeland the cabinet by a vote of 24-8, each Axios. Prime Minister's Office Benjamin Netanyahu he announced the license with a report.
“The Government has approved the framework for the return of the guards,” they wrote. “The framework for the release of the hostages will take effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Shabbat Shalom.”
Since the war began in October 2023, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed, with some assessments making the death toll much higher.
The first phase of the six-week truce will involve an exchange of hostilities between Hamas and Israel and the evacuation of Gaza's main cities. Humanitarian aid organizations will be allowed to enter the territoryto assist with reconstruction and resettlement efforts.
Hamas is expected to release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. The Detainee Affairs Commission and the Palestinian Prisoners' Association say Israel is holding over 10,000 Palestinians in prison, saying their number does not include detainees inside Gaza.
The next phase of the ceasefire will be rolled out in the coming weeks, with talks starting 16 days after the start of the ceasefire.
