In Video: Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu confirms there is a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas
Israel Agrees to Ceasefire Deal with Hamas, First Phase to Last 6 Weeks
Breaking News
After a series of delays and false starts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that a ceasefire agreement has been reached with Hamas, marking a significant step towards ending the devastating conflict in Gaza. The first phase of the deal, set to last six weeks, will see Israel halt military attacks and pull troops out of populated areas. In exchange, Hamas will release the first group of Israeli captives, with the possibility of releasing more in the future.
Finalizing the Deal: A Series of Last-Minute Hurdles
With the agreement now on the table, the Israeli government is set to vote on the deal today, with ministers already gathering in Jerusalem. However, a last-minute request by the Minister of Interior Affairs has been made to conduct the vote over the phone, aiming to expedite the process and avoid further delays. The result of the vote is expected to be announced Sunday morning.
The Prisoner Swap: More to Follow
As part of the deal, a list of Palestinian prisoners will be made public, who will be released in exchange for the release of the Israeli hostages. The public will have 48 hours to submit an appeal or objection to the Supreme Court, after which the ceasefire can come into effect. Family members of the hostages are eager to see the deal implemented as soon as possible, not only for their own sake but also for the sake of civilians in Gaza, where violence continues to claim dozens of lives, including children.
Key Milestones Ahead: A 6-Week Ceasefire
The agreement marks a significant step forward in efforts to end the violence in the region. With the first phase set to last six weeks, the following key milestones are expected to take place:
- Security Cabinet Vote: Expected to take place today, with ministers voting on the agreement.
- Government Vote: To occur tomorrow, with the possibility of a phone vote to expedite the process.
- Supreme Court Review: The public will have 48 hours to submit an appeal or objection, after which the ceasefire can be implemented.
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