Israel, Hamas Agree on Ceasefire and Hostage Release
33 hostages to be freed in first phase; political tensions rise within Israel.

The Israeli government has approved a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas, which will come into effect on Sunday. According to the Times of Israel, the cabinet approved the deal with a 24-8 vote. This agreement marks the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza and will facilitate the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
Key Details of the Agreement
- Hostage Releases: In the first six-week phase, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and individuals over the age of 50.
- Palestinian Prisoner Releases: Israel will release Palestinian women, children, and individuals under 19 years old, with the number ranging between 990 and 1,650, depending on the number of hostages released by Hamas.
- Phased Implementation: The agreement is structured in three phases, with further releases and negotiations expected in subsequent stages.
Escalation and Casualties
The Gaza conflict has strained Israel’s relations with countries like Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen for over 15 months. So far, the war has resulted in approximately 47,000 deaths. On Friday, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed 116 people, including 60 women and children, during the final stages of negotiations.
Political Reactions in Israel
The agreement has faced backlash from right-wing parties supporting Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government. Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign over the ceasefire, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned of withdrawing support if the ceasefire extends beyond the six-week phase. Despite this opposition, the majority of the cabinet members voted in favor of the deal.
Hostage and Medical Preparations
Israel has confirmed that 98 hostages remain in Hamas custody, with approximately half presumed to be alive. Some may have died, and their bodies are believed to be held by Hamas. The families of the 33 hostages set for release have been notified, bringing them relief.
Israel is preparing six hospitals to care for the released hostages, many of whom have endured over 15 months of captivity under severe conditions. Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, head of Israel’s Medical Directorate, emphasized concerns about the hostages’ physical and mental health, stating that recovery could take several weeks.
Hope Amid Uncertainty
The deal marks a significant step toward easing tensions in Gaza. However, challenges remain, including ensuring the safety of remaining hostages and navigating political opposition within Israel. Families of the hostages have urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to expedite the release process to reunite loved ones swiftly.