Israeli Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Deal

What Happened?

Israel’s government has announced the approval of a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza after a cabinet meeting that reportedly lasted more than six hours.

The meeting consisted of the full 33-member group and reportedly went past the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath when business is usually halted except for emergency cases.

According to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Office, a six-week initial ceasefire is due to begin on Sunday with a series of hostage-for-prisoner exchanges.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas and its affiliates will reportedly release 33 Israeli hostages as part of the first phase on the path to ending the 15-month war.

Three hostages held in Gaza are expected to be released on the first day, according to CNN.

The measure will also include the release of two American hostages, with Israeli forces gradually withdrawing from the Gaza Strip.

The second phase of the deal would be intended to end the war on the 16th day of implementation.

Netanyahu had reportedly instructed a special task force in preparation to receive the hostages returning from Gaza.

The news comes despite opposition from some Israeli cabinet members who reportedly threatened to withdraw if the deal went through.

Netanyahu reportedly accused Hamas of attempting 'to extort last-minute concessions' which delayed the initial cabinet meeting vote scheduled Thursday to finalize the deal.

Israel’s Supreme Court will still reportedly hear appeals by Israelis opposing the release of any Palestinian prisoners.

Why it Matters

Almost 120 Palestinians have been reportedly killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since news of the ceasefire deal was reached on Wednesday.

The Palestinian Authority had announced that it is ready to assume its 'full responsibilities' in the Gaza Strip, according to Al Jazeera.

In a statement, the Palestinian Authority added that they are willing to work to facilitate the return of roughly two million displaced residents and help them return to their homes.

That also included the help to restore services such as water and electricity while overseeing reconstruction efforts amid the much-damaged infrastructure.

Officials reportedly estimate upward of $300 million will be needed to sustain Gaza's most urgent needs in the next six months.

Over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of the war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The Biden administration had reportedly drafted a detailed 'Day After' plan for when the Israeli military forces withdraw from Gaza.

During his final press conference, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, 'Virtually everything that now needs to be implemented under the agreement will be implemented under the Trump administration.'

How it Affects You

President-elect Donald Trump will be officially taking office during a critical period between the full resolution of Israel and Hamas.

His administration will face similar challenges in resolving the nearly three-year ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled a willingness to talk, Kyiv has reportedly pushed for U.S. guarantees behind any peace deal.

Members of Trump’s national security team have acknowledged the difficulties of brokering such a deal, reports say.

This will all transpire while the world still expects the new administration under Trump to ensure international security and allow Gaza to rebuild.