Israels Kabinett stimmt für Waffenruhe und Geiseldeal in Gaza
Israel’s cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal in Gaza, which will result in the release of dozens of hostages and a temporary halt to the 15-month war with Hamas. This move brings the two sides closer to ending their deadliest and most destructive conflict to date. The ceasefire was announced by mediators from Qatar and the US on Wednesday, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised last-minute complications that he attributed to the Hamas militant group, causing a delay in finalizing the deal.
This ceasefire, only the second achieved during the war, is set to commence on Sunday. However, there are still unanswered questions, such as the identities of the 33 hostages to be released in the first six-week phase of the ceasefire and whether they are still alive. The cabinet meeting extended well into the Jewish Sabbath, underscoring the significance of the moment. According to Jewish law, the Israeli government typically suspends all activities for the Sabbath, except in cases of life-threatening emergencies.
Netanyahu has directed a special task force to prepare for the return of the hostages from Gaza and has informed their families of the reached agreement. Additionally, hundreds of Palestinian detainees are expected to be released, and Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage, is anticipated to receive increased humanitarian aid.