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Israel Approves 6-Week Ceasefire with Hamas, 33 Hostages to Be Released Starting Sunday

Jan 17, 2025, 11:33 PM

Israel's Cabinet has approved a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, marking a significant step toward ending the 15-month war in Gaza. The agreement, mediated by Qatar and the U.S., was finalized after overcoming last-minute complications attributed to Hamas by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ceasefire is set to begin on Sunday and will last for six weeks, during which 33 hostages, including women, children, and individuals over 50, will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The deal also includes provisions for a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza and the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region. Despite opposition from some hardline ministers, the cabinet's approval paves the way for the first phase of the ceasefire, with further negotiations planned for subsequent phases that aim to release all remaining hostages and address long-term issues in Gaza.