Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.
“Following an evaluation of all diplomatic, security and humanitarian aspects, and while understanding that the proposed deal supports the achievement of the objectives of the war, the Security Cabinet has recommended that the Government approve the proposed framework,” his office stated.
Details surrounding the updated negotiations remain unknown.
Hostages are expected to be released on Sunday, Netanyahu’s office added.
“I welcome the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision to approve the hostage deal which will bring our hostages home, as presented by the Prime Minister and the negotiating team,” Israel’s President Isaac Herzog wrote on X. “I expect the government to follow suit in swiftly affirming this decision. This is a vital step toward fulfilling the highest covenant between the state and its citizens. There is no greater moral, human, Jewish, and Israeli duty. We must bring all of our hostages back home.”
“I harbor no illusions — the deal will bring with it great challenges and painful, agonizing moments that we will need to overcome and face together,” he said. “With all my heart, I embrace the families of the hostages, especially those who know that their loved ones will not return in the first stage. We must bring everyone back. Everyone! We will not rest or relent until this happens.”
On Thursday, Netanyahu said that a “last-minute crisis” with Hamas held up the ceasefire.
“Last night the prime minister strongly insisted that Hamas fold their last-minute demand to change the deployment of IDF forces in the Philadelphi corridor, which is so important, so crucial to stop weapon smuggling to Hamas,” Netanyahu’s spokesman, David Mencer, told reporters. “To be clear, the government of Israel wants to finalize an agreement,” Mencer added. “We want to bring our people home and we hope that the details will indeed be finalized.”
The ceasefire agreement called for the release of three hostages on the first day, according to reports, followed by weekly hostage releases. Women, children, and men over the age of 50 will be given priority. Hostages are to be released over the course of 42 days. About 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be freed in exchange. Up to 600 humanitarian trucks would enter Gaza daily.
