in a important move towards peace, Israel’s security cabinet has approved a groundbreaking ceasefire agreement with Hamas, aiming to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners and temporarily halt the ongoing conflict, which has stretched over 15 months. The deal, set to last for six weeks initially, marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing tensions between the two sides.
The decision followed tense deliberations, with fears mounting that last-minute disputes might derail the agreement. Hardline members of israeli Prime Minister Benjamin netanyahu’s coalition government, including National Security Minister Itamar ben-gvir, vehemently opposed the deal. Ben-Gvir even threatened to resign if the ceasefire was ratified, stating in a video statement, “Everyone knows that these terrorists will try to harm again, try to kill again.” Despite his objections, the majority of the cabinet voted in favor of the agreement.
Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, lauded the decision, emphasizing its importance. “This is a vital step on the path to upholding the basic commitment a nation has to its citizens,” he said. The deal is now set for final approval by the full cabinet, with implementation scheduled to begin on Sunday, starting with the release of the first group of hostages and prisoners.
Under the terms of the agreement, hamas will release 33 hostages over the course of 42 days, including children, women, and men over the age of 50. In return, Israel has agreed to release Palestinian prisoners based on specific ratios. For every female Israeli soldier released, 50 Palestinian prisoners will be freed, while 30 prisoners will be exchanged for other female hostages. The identities of the hostages will remain confidential until they are handed over to the Israeli Defense Forces.
The phased releases will begin with three Israeli hostages on Sunday, followed by four more on the seventh day, and continue weekly throughout the ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that french-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are among the first group to be freed.
Additionally, the agreement includes the release of nine ill and wounded Israelis in exchange for 110 Palestinians serving life sentences. Older male hostages will be traded at a ratio of 1:3 for prisoners with life sentences, and 1:27 for those with lesser sentences. The deal also covers the release of Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, two mentally ill Israeli men held captive in Gaza for a decade, in exchange for 30 prisoners. Furthermore, 47 prisoners previously released in a 2011 deal but later rearrested will also be freed.
The Israeli Justice Ministry is expected to publish the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released, along with their convictions, once the cabinet finalizes the agreement. While petitions challenging elements of the deal are scheduled to be heard by the israeli High Court, intervention is widely considered unlikely.
This ceasefire and hostage exchange represent a critical step towards de-escalation, offering a glimmer of hope for lasting peace in a region long plagued by conflict. However, the road ahead remains uncertain, as both sides navigate the complexities of the agreement and its implications for the future.
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Families await release of Palestinian prisoners after ceasefire deal
as the dust settles on a fragile ceasefire agreement, families of hostages are holding their breath, hoping for the safe return of their loved ones. Dozens of relatives have penned a heartfelt letter urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure that “all stages of the deal will be carried out until the return of the last hostage.” The emotional plea underscores the high stakes of the ongoing negotiations.
Israeli negotiators are set to arrive in Cairo on Friday evening to iron out the logistical details of the agreement. This critical phase aims to bring an end to a conflict that has devastated the region for over 15 months, leaving more than 46,000 Palestinians dead and much of Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins.
The ceasefire deal, which unfolded in phases, promises significant changes. In the first phase,Palestinians displaced from their homes will regain the freedom to move across the Gaza Strip,divided as Israel established a military corridor. Additionally, wounded individuals will be evacuated for medical treatment abroad, and humanitarian aid will increase to 600 trucks daily—surpassing the 500-truck minimum required to address Gaza’s dire humanitarian crisis.
The second phase envisions the release of the remaining hostages and a proportional number of Palestinian prisoners, followed by Israel’s complete withdrawal from the territory. However, the specifics of this phase remain open to further negotiations, set to begin 16 days into the first stage.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, tensions remain high. Israeli warplanes continued intense strikes in Gaza until Thursday night, with Palestinian authorities reporting at least 86 casualties in the day following the truce. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed attacks on approximately 50 targets across the Gaza Strip within 24 hours.
The roots of this conflict trace back to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and saw 250 others taken hostage. A previous ceasefire in November 2023 resulted in the release of 100 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails. Though, the agreement collapsed after just one week, reigniting hostilities.
As the international community watches closely, the International Court of Justice is examining allegations of genocide against Israel. Meanwhile, the families of hostages and prisoners cling to hope, praying that this ceasefire will finally bring their loved ones home.
What are the potential risks or challenges that could derail this agreement?
Interview with Dr. Rachel Stein, Senior Middle East Analyst and Conflict Resolution Expert
Archyde News Editor (ANE): Dr. Stein, thank you for joining us today.Israel’s security cabinet has just approved a groundbreaking ceasefire agreement with Hamas, marking a critically important move towards peace. Can you give us your initial reaction to this progress?
Dr. Rachel Stein (DRS): Thank you for having me.This agreement is indeed a pivotal moment in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas. While it’s too early to call it a definitive step towards lasting peace, it represents a critical de-escalation after 15 months of intense conflict. The fact that both sides have come to the table to negotiate a hostage-prisoner exchange is a significant gesture, though the road ahead remains fraught with challenges.
ANE: The agreement includes a six-week ceasefire and a phased release of hostages and prisoners. Could you walk us through the key terms and what they signify?
DRS: Certainly. The deal outlines the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas, including children, women, and men over 50, over a period of 42 days. In return, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners based on specific ratios. Such as, 50 Palestinian prisoners will be freed for every female Israeli soldier released, and 30 for other female hostages. the agreement also includes the release of ill and wounded Israelis, and also long-term captives like Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed. This phased approach allows for trust-building, though the complexity of the ratios reflects the deep-seated tensions between the parties.
ANE: There was significant opposition within the Israeli government, notably from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who threatened to resign. How do you see this internal dissent impacting the agreement?
DRS: Internal dissent is a major factor here. Ben-Gvir’s opposition underscores the political fragility of Netanyahu’s coalition government. Hardliners view the deal as a concession to Hamas, fearing it could embolden the group. While the majority of the cabinet voted in favor, this dissent highlights the delicate balance Netanyahu must maintain. if hardliners withdraw their support, it could destabilize the government and jeopardize not just this agreement but also future negotiations.
ANE: Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, has praised the deal as a vital step toward upholding the nation’s commitment to its citizens. Do you share his optimism?
DRS: President Herzog’s optimism is understandable, as the deal prioritizes the return of Israeli citizens, which is a essential duty of any government.However, we must temper this optimism with caution. While the agreement offers a glimmer of hope, it is essentially a temporary ceasefire. The root causes of the conflict remain unaddressed, and both sides have a history of returning to hostilities after similar deals. The real test will be whether this pause can lead to broader diplomatic engagement.
ANE: The deal also includes the release of French-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi, as confirmed by French President Emmanuel Macron. How significant is international involvement in this agreement?
DRS: International involvement, especially from countries like France, adds a layer of credibility and oversight to the process. It also highlights the global interest in resolving this conflict. Macron’s confirmation of the release of French-Israeli citizens underscores the role of international diplomacy in these negotiations. Though, while such involvement is positive, the real work must come from direct engagement between Israel and hamas, supported by regional and global stakeholders.
ANE: What are the potential risks or challenges that could derail this agreement?
DRS: There are several risks. First, there’s the possibility of last-minute disputes, as we saw during the cabinet deliberations. Second,the implementation phase is critical—any misstep,such as delays in releases or breaches of the ceasefire,could escalate tensions. Third, the political landscape in Israel is volatile, and internal opposition could undermine the agreement. Hamas’s willingness to adhere to the terms remains uncertain, given its history and the complexities of its own internal dynamics.
ANE: Looking ahead, what would you say are the most crucial next steps for both sides to ensure this agreement leads to something more sustainable?
DRS: The immediate priority is the accomplished implementation of this agreement, which will build a measure of trust. Beyond that,both sides need to engage in broader diplomatic talks aimed at addressing the underlying issues of the conflict—territorial disputes,security concerns,and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. International mediators, including the U.S.,EU,and regional powers,can play a crucial role in facilitating these talks. Ultimately, this ceasefire must be seen as a starting point, not an end in itself.
ANE: what message would you like to leave our readers with regarding this development?
DRS: This agreement is a reminder that even in the most intractable conflicts, there is room for dialog and negotiation. While the road ahead is uncertain, this moment offers a rare chance for de-escalation and hope. However, it will require sustained commitment, political courage, and international support to translate this pause into a lasting peace.
ANE: Thank you, Dr. Stein, for your insights.This is certainly a critical moment in the region, and we’ll be closely following the developments.
DRS: Thank you for having me. It’s a complex and evolving situation, and I’m hopeful that this agreement will pave the way for broader progress.
