Israeli PM Netanyahu Confirms Hostage Release Agreement in Gaza

Synopsis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed a deal on January 17 for the release of hostages held in Gaza, marking a potential end to a lengthy conflict. The agreement, reached after negotiations in Qatar, involves a ceasefire and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners. Preparations for the hostages' return are underway as the cabinet prepares for a vote.

Key Takeaways

Hostages in Gaza to be released.
Ceasefire agreement reached.
Intense negotiations in Qatar.
Release involves Palestinian prisoners.
Cabinet vote expected to be contentious.

Jerusalem, Jan 17 (NationPress) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that an agreement has been finalized to facilitate the release of hostages held in Gaza and to initiate a ceasefire, following rigorous discussions between Israeli and Hamas representatives in Qatar, as reported by Israeli media.

The Times of Israel cited a statement from Netanyahu's office, indicating that the Israeli prime minister had called a security cabinet meeting for Friday to vote on the agreement, with an extensive cabinet session to follow for formal approval. Netanyahu was briefed by the Israeli negotiation team that the agreement had been successfully achieved, and he expressed his gratitude for their hard work.

This agreement represents a crucial advancement towards concluding the 15-month-long conflict and will involve the release of numerous hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. Netanyahu's office confirmed that the families of the remaining 98 hostages have been informed, and preparations for their return are in progress.

“The (full cabinet) will subsequently convene to approve the agreement,” stated Netanyahu’s office, further noting that Netanyahu had conveyed his thanks to the negotiation team, who updated him on the agreement's finalization.

“The state of Israel is dedicated to fulfilling all objectives of the conflict, including the return of all our hostages, both the living and the deceased,” the statement added.

Netanyahu’s office reiterated: "The state of Israel is dedicated to fulfilling all objectives of the conflict, including the return of all our hostages, both the living and the deceased."

The agreement, which was disclosed by mediators on Wednesday -- Qatar, the US, and Egypt -- will lead to the gradual release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, along with a pause in hostilities in Gaza.

Despite this breakthrough, the approval process has encountered some delays. Initially, Netanyahu’s office had indicated concerns over last-minute issues in the negotiations, accusing Hamas of violating parts of the agreement.

Earlier on Thursday, Netanyahu’s office stated that the cabinet would not convene to ratify the agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of numerous hostages until Hamas concedes, accusing the group of violating parts of the agreement to seek additional concessions. These challenges had postponed the endorsement of the ceasefire and hostage exchange, but the agreement was ultimately finalized.

The release of the initial group of hostages, originally scheduled for Sunday, is now anticipated to take place on Monday, following the delay in cabinet approval. The vote within the Israeli government is expected to be contentious, with reports indicating that some members of Netanyahu’s coalition government might oppose the agreement, potentially jeopardizing their positions.