Israeli authorities greenlight agreement with Hamas
Israel’s government has approved a deal with Hamas, setting the stage for a ceasefire and a hostage exchange to begin on Sunday. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The ceasefire agreement is set to take effect on Sunday, despite opposition from Israeli hardliners.
Israel's government has approved a deal with Hamas, facilitating a ceasefire and a hostage exchange beginning Sunday, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
The 33-member Cabinet unanimously endorsed the agreement following a recommendation from the security cabinet earlier on Friday. Discussions lasted over seven hours, extending late into Friday night and early Saturday.
“The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages’ release will come into effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Shabbat Shalom,” Netanyahu’s office stated.
By a deal signed on Wednesday, Israel and Hamas have agreed to pause their 15-month conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 1,100 Israelis and 46,000 Palestinians. The agreement, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, is structured in three phases.
The initial phase, starting Sunday and lasting for 42 days, will involve Hamas releasing 33 hostages, including children, female soldiers, and individuals who are wounded or ill. In return, Israel will free a number of Palestinian prisoners currently in Israeli custody.
The agreement has sparked criticism from within Netanyahu’s government. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a member of the hardline Jewish Power party, has threatened to pull his faction from the coalition if the deal moves forward. Similarly, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism party has voiced strong opposition.
Additionally, Israel’s Supreme Court is set to hear appeals from citizens against the release of Palestinian prisoners, though its ruling is unlikely to impede the implementation of the ceasefire.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
Israel's government has approved a deal with Hamas, facilitating a ceasefire and a hostage exchange beginning Sunday, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
The 33-member Cabinet unanimously endorsed the agreement following a recommendation from the security cabinet earlier on Friday. Discussions lasted over seven hours, extending late into Friday night and early Saturday.
“The Government has approved the framework for the return of the hostages. The framework for the hostages’ release will come into effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Shabbat Shalom,” Netanyahu’s office stated.
By a deal signed on Wednesday, Israel and Hamas have agreed to pause their 15-month conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 1,100 Israelis and 46,000 Palestinians. The agreement, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, is structured in three phases.
The initial phase, starting Sunday and lasting for 42 days, will involve Hamas releasing 33 hostages, including children, female soldiers, and individuals who are wounded or ill. In return, Israel will free a number of Palestinian prisoners currently in Israeli custody.
The agreement has sparked criticism from within Netanyahu’s government. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a member of the hardline Jewish Power party, has threatened to pull his faction from the coalition if the deal moves forward. Similarly, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism party has voiced strong opposition.
Additionally, Israel’s Supreme Court is set to hear appeals from citizens against the release of Palestinian prisoners, though its ruling is unlikely to impede the implementation of the ceasefire.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
