Israeli Cabinet Set to Endorse Gaza Truce Today
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Synopsis
The Israeli government is set to approve a ceasefire deal with Hamas, aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza. President Isaac Herzog supports the necessary agreement, which involves the release of hostages and prisoners on both sides. This landmark decision comes after more than a year of violence in the region.
Key Takeaways
- The Security Cabinet meets to approve the ceasefire.
- Agreement involves hostage exchanges.
- President Herzog emphasizes the importance of the deal.
- Conflict in Gaza has lasted over a year.
- US President Biden confirms the agreement's significance.
Jerusalem, Jan 16 (NationPress) The Israeli Security Cabinet and government will meet on Thursday to endorse the Gaza ceasefire agreement that was finalized between Hamas and Israel on Wednesday.
The Security Cabinet is slated to gather at 11:00 am local time, with the government expected to follow suit, according to an official from the Israeli government.
The agreement is anticipated to gain majority support in both the Security Cabinet and the government, despite two significant parties within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition expressing dissent towards the deal, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
On Wednesday, Israel's President Isaac Herzog urged for the government to approve the ceasefire arrangement.
"This is a right, important, and necessary step," Herzog stated in a broadcast message.
A finalized agreement would halt the conflict in Gaza and facilitate an exchange of hostages and prisoners.
Hamas took 251 hostages during its assault on Israel in October 2023, with 94 individuals still held captive, although Israel believes that only 60 are alive.
In return for the hostages, Israel is expected to release approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, some of whom have been incarcerated for several years.
After more than a year of conflict in Gaza that caused significant turmoil and devastation in the Middle East, a pivotal agreement was established between Israel and Hamas, with both sides agreeing to cease hostilities and trade Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
US President Joe Biden acknowledged this vital development during a briefing on Wednesday, stating, "It is a very good afternoon now." He added, "Soon, the hostages will return home to their families."
The peace agreement entails a full and complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Biden indicated that Israel would reciprocate by releasing Palestinian prisoners.
