JERUSALEM/CAIRO, Jan 17, 2025 — On Friday, the Israeli security cabinet approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas, paving the way for the release of hostages from Gaza and potentially concluding the 15-month conflict that has led to widespread devastation and casualties in the area.

The agreement awaits endorsement by the entire Israeli cabinet, which assembled on Friday afternoon.

If fully implemented, the ceasefire could result in the release of the first group of hostages by Sunday and offer a break from the continuing hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

Terms of the Ceasefire
Under the first six-week phase of the three-part agreement, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, focusing on women, children, and men over 50.

In return, Israel will free Palestinian detainees, including women and minors under 19.

The total number of Palestinian prisoners to be released, expected to be between 990 and 1,650, will depend on the number of hostages Hamas releases in the initial phase.

The Israeli Justice Ministry has published a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners scheduled for release on Sunday.

The agreement was mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, each playing essential roles in negotiating the terms.

Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continued on Friday, with local emergency services reporting 116 Palestinian deaths, including 60 women and children, since the deal was announced.

Throughout the conflict, Gaza has suffered massive destruction, with local authorities reporting over 46,000 deaths and widespread displacement among its 2.3 million residents.

In southern Gaza, airstrikes hit areas with displaced people, causing further casualties.

Displaced residents have expressed hope that the ceasefire will improve their dire living conditions.

"Life has become an unbearable hell," said Jomaa Abed al-Aal, a Gaza resident.

The World Health Organization has stated that the ceasefire could enable more humanitarian aid, potentially increasing deliveries to 600 trucks per day to meet the urgent needs of displaced populations.

Opposition and Challenges
The ceasefire has encountered resistance from hardline members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have opposed the agreement, with Ben-Gvir threatening to resign over it.

Despite their opposition, Netanyahu confirmed that deals have been made to release hostages and start the truce.

Background and Implications
The conflict intensified after a Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.

The situation has since garnered international attention and escalated regional tensions, involving Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, and other Iranian-aligned groups.

The agreement also includes provisions for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and increased humanitarian aid access.

While the ceasefire offers a chance for de-escalation, major challenges persist, including opposition within the Israeli government and continued international mediation needed to ensure compliance with the agreement’s terms.

Currently, Israel estimates that 98 hostages remain in Gaza, with about half believed to be alive.

Efforts are underway to verify the identities of those to be released under the initial agreement phase.

The situation remains dynamic, with more developments anticipated in the days ahead.