17
Jan
Jan
ISRAELI SECURITY CABINET APPROVES GAZA CEASEFIRE AND HOSTAGE DEAL
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Nicolas Adekeye / 5 days
- 0
- 2 min read
Israel’s security cabinet has voted to approve a ceasefire deal to end the fighting in Gaza, just two days after mediators Qatar and the United States announced an agreement had been reached with Israel and Hamas. The 11 voting members of the security cabinet approved the deal with a simple majority vote, and the full 33-member Israeli cabinet will meet later Friday to consider the deal. “After examining all political, security, and humanitarian aspects, and understanding that the proposed deal supports achieving the war objectives,” the security cabinet recommends the government approve the ceasefire deal, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The agreement foresees a six-week ceasefire, with a first phase to include the staggered release of 33 hostages held in Gaza and the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees held in Israel. It also includes a partial Israeli military withdrawal and a surge in humanitarian aid going into the besieged coastal enclave. During the first phase, the sides would begin talks to find a permanent end to the war that began on October 7, 2023, with a surprise attack on southern Israel by Hamas-led militants based in Gaza. That attack killed some 1,200 people and saw 250 taken captive, according to Israeli officials. Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, has called the agreement the “right move” and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to proceed with it. However, far-right ministers have voiced opposition to the deal, and one has threatened to quit if it goes ahead. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that he still expects the ceasefire to take effect on Sunday. If approved by the full Israeli cabinet, the deal would pave the way for its implementation, including the release of the first hostages by Hamas on Sunday. SOURCE: CNN, NPR
