Israel's government has given the green light to a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas, marking a potential turning point in the 15-month conflict in the Middle East. The deal, approved by a 33-member cabinet after hours of deliberation, is set to take effect on Sunday.
The agreement, negotiated in Doha and endorsed by Israel's smaller security cabinet, will halt the fighting in Gaza and facilitate the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. It also opens the door for humanitarian aid to reach the distressed enclave, where living conditions are dire and many are facing starvation.
The ceasefire, the second since the conflict began in October 2023, aims to bring relief to the region. The first phase of the deal involves the release of 33 Israeli hostages and 735 Palestinian prisoners, with additional foreign hostages expected to be freed.
Further negotiations for the subsequent phases of the ceasefire will commence after the initial implementation period. A joint operations room in Cairo will oversee the deal's enforcement, with representatives from Egypt, Qatar, the United States, Israel, and Palestinian officials involved.
Humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza are set to increase significantly under the agreement, with plans to ramp up aid truckloads to 600 per day. However, the United Nations has cautioned that more assistance is needed to address the severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
The breakthrough in talks has brought hope to the families of hostages, many of whom have been waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones. The ceasefire offers a temporary respite for Gazans who have endured relentless Israeli airstrikes, resulting in significant casualties.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the ceasefire agreement represents a step towards peace and stability in the conflict-ridden region. The international community will be closely monitoring the implementation of the deal to ensure its success.
