Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel and Hamas reached a deal to release hostages held in Gaza on Friday. This came after reports of complications in finalizing a ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu stated that he would meet with the security Cabinet to approve the deal later that day.
Hostage Exchange and Ceasefire Details
The agreement would temporarily pause the fighting and result in the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. In addition, displaced Palestinians would be allowed to return to Gaza. However, Israeli airstrikes continued, killing at least 72 people in Gaza on Thursday.
Hostage Return Plans
In preparation, Netanyahu revealed that a special task force was set up to receive the hostages. Families of the captives were informed about the deal. Despite earlier delays in voting for the ceasefire, caused by disagreements between Israel and Hamas, Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of trying to renegotiate the terms.
Domestic Tensions and Coalition Pressure
Internally, Netanyahu faced mounting pressure from his coalition partners. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, for example, threatened to resign over the ceasefire agreement. Although his departure would not bring down the government, it could weaken Netanyahu’s position, especially if other key allies follow suit.
Continued Violence Amid Ceasefire Talks
Despite the ceasefire deal being announced, Israeli bombings intensified, leading to further civilian casualties. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported Thursday as the bloodiest day since the announcement. Both Palestinians and Israelis expressed growing concerns over the situation.
Challenges to Ceasefire Implementation
The deal’s initial phase would see 33 hostages released within six weeks. However, further releases depend on additional negotiations. Hamas has insisted on a full ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal before releasing more captives, while Israel maintains that it will continue fighting until Hamas is dismantled.
The Future of Gaza
Looking ahead, questions about Gaza’s future remain unanswered. Key issues include who will govern the territory and who will oversee its reconstruction. Israel has faced criticism for the heavy civilian toll in Gaza, while the pressure on Hamas continues to mount, raising concerns about a potential prolonged insurgency.