Netanyahu Leads Cabinet Meeting to Approve Gaza Hostage Release
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Synopsis
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leading a crucial cabinet meeting in Jerusalem to finalize a deal for the release of hostages in Gaza and establish a ceasefire, following intensive negotiations with Hamas in Qatar.
Key Takeaways
- Netanyahu chairs a pivotal cabinet meeting.
- A deal for hostages' release and ceasefire confirmed.
- Negotiations involved teams from Israel and Hamas in Qatar.
- Cabinet approval needed for the deal to take effect.
- Commitment to return all hostages, living and dead.
Jerusalem, Jan 17 (NationPress) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is presently leading a vital discussion of the political-security cabinet that commenced in Jerusalem on Friday afternoon, shortly after his office announced a deal to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza and to initiate a ceasefire, following extensive negotiations between Israeli and Hamas representatives in Qatar.
According to a post from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on X, "The political-security cabinet meeting began at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. An earlier assessment of the operational security situation regarding the implementation of the agreement was led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with the negotiating team that returned from Doha."
Netanyahu convened the political-security cabinet meeting immediately after receiving confirmation from the negotiating team that a deal had been reached for the release of the hostages.
The government is then expected to convene to endorse the deal.
Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to the negotiation team and all individuals who contributed to the process.
The statement from the PMO indicated, "The families of the abductees were recently informed that agreements had been finalized by the Directorate of Abductees, Missing Persons and Returnees in the Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister also directed the Coordinator of Captives and Missing Persons to manage the preparations for the return of the abductees to Israel."
Furthermore, it noted that Israel is dedicated to fulfilling all objectives of the war, which includes the return of all hostages, both living and deceased.
Subject to the cabinet's and government's approval, and with the agreement taking effect, the release of the hostages is anticipated to take place as early as Sunday, as outlined in the planned framework.
On Thursday, multiple reports suggested that Netanyahu’s office had raised alarms over potential last-minute issues in the negotiations, accusing Hamas of failing to uphold parts of the agreement.
