Israeli Government Set to Discuss Ceasefire Following PM’s Confirmation of Hostage Agreement Completion

As the sun sets on yet another tumultuous week, all eyes are on Israel’s security cabinet, which convened to finalize the particulars of a ceasefire in Gaza, a move that has cast a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office expressed optimism, stating that the United States is “confident” that both a truce and a deal for hostage exchanges would kick off this weekend, should the cabinet give the green light.

If the thumbs up is given, we could see this ceasefire taking root on Sunday—an agreement that envisions swapping Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, paving the way for a broader resolution to put an end to this dreadful conflict.

However, it’s important to note that the ink isn’t dry on this diplomatic deal, as the air remains thick with tension. Strikes from Israel tragically claimed the lives of dozens in Gaza just yesterday. Local rescuers reported that Israeli military assaults struck around 50 targets in the territory within the span of a single day, as they continued their campaign despite the potential dawn of peace.

Netanyahu’s office has accused Hamas of attempting to manipulate the terms of the agreement at the last minute, demanding concessions just as the finish line comes into view—an accusation that Hamas has vehemently denied.

“The cabinet will convene shortly to finalize the approval of the deal,” stated the Prime Minister’s spokesperson, underlining the urgency of the situation.

Yet, the notion of a ceasefire isn’t universally embraced. Dissent has crept into the ranks of Netanyahu’s own cabinet, with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir openly contemplating his exit from the government should this “irresponsible” deal go through. Echoing similar sentiments, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich branded the truce as a “dangerous deal,” a moniker signaling fierce internal disagreements.

On a more hopeful note, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has been playing a crucial role in brokering peace talks, expressed his belief that the ceasefire would indeed proceed as outlined. “I am confident, and I fully expect that implementation will begin, as we said, on Sunday,” he remarked with a sense of conviction.

The conflict’s toll is harrowing. Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that during the bombing spree following the announcement of the deal on Wednesday, at least 80 lives were lost, while hundreds sustained injuries. The Hamas military wing, Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, raised alarms, warning that ongoing airstrikes jeopardize the hostages set to be released under the proposed terms—turning potential freedom into a grim ordeal.

This war erupted with a devastating blow on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack that mournfully left 1,210 individuals dead, most of whom were civilians, according to an AFP tally. What was labeled the deadliest attack in Israeli history saw Palestinian militants take 251 hostages; tragically, 94 remain captive, with 34 already confirmed deceased by Israeli forces.

Israel’s relentless campaign has wrought widespread devastation across Gaza, with health ministry figures indicating a staggering 46,788 deaths, predominantly civilians—a harrowing statistic that underscores the cataclysmic scale of this conflict.

In the midst of these upheavals, the prospect of a ceasefire has emerged, following tireless efforts by mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. This potential agreement comes on the eve of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, stirring mixed emotions among those caught in the crossfire.

As discussions unfolded, envoys from both the Trump transition team and the outgoing Biden administration collaborated, a rare alliance that some officials believe was pivotal in forging this agreement. Across Israel and Gaza, echoes of celebration mingled with sorrow. For instance, Saeed Alloush, a resident of northern Gaza, eagerly anticipated the truce until catastrophic airstrikes claimed the lives of numerous family members. “It was the happiest night since October 7,” he despaired, “until we received the news of 40 of my kin being claimed by the violence.”

In Tel Aviv, pensioner Simon Patya found himself trapped in a whirlwind of emotion, feeling “great joy” at the prospect of some hostages returning alive, while also grappling with “great sorrow” for those who wouldn’t—and the moral weight of such losses is something he knows will linger long after the celebrations.

From Qatar, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani introduced the agreement, revealing plans for an initial 42-day ceasefire, encompassing the release of 33 hostages, including women and children, and calls for safe passage for displaced Palestinians back to their homes.

U.S. President Biden hinted at a much-needed humanitarian surge alongside the second phase of the agreement—a chance for a “permanent end to the war.” His remarks coincided with an urgent call from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for accelerated humanitarian aid into Gaza, setting the stage for international collaborators to engage in a post-war reconstruction effort.

The World Health Organization’s representative in the region, Rik Peeperkorn, emphasized the dire financial needs ahead—estimates suggest that rebuilding Gaza’s shattered health system could demand at least $10 billion over the coming years. The U.N. agency supporting Palestinian refugees welcomed the ceasefire deal but underscored a pressing need for unimpeded humanitarian access. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, urged, “What’s needed is rapid, unhindered, and uninterrupted humanitarian supplies to tackle the immense suffering caused by this war.”

As the hour draws near for the cabinet’s vote, we stand at a crossroads teeming with uncertainty and hope. Will this ceasefire bring the much-needed respite from violence, or is it merely a fleeting moment of calm in a continuing storm? Only time will tell. But for now, the words “peace” and “truce” hang in the air, waiting for their moment to take flight.

Report By Axadle

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring