Netanyahu: Gaza Ceasefire Temporary, Israel to Free 33 Hostages for 737 Prisoners in 6 Weeks

Jan 18, 2025, 09:17 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza, set to take effect on Sunday, is temporary. He emphasized that Israel reserves the right to resume the war with the support of the United States if necessary. Netanyahu stated that both outgoing President Joe Biden and incoming President Donald Trump have given Israel full backing to return to fighting if the second phase of the ceasefire agreement fails. He also mentioned that Israel will not reduce its military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border but will instead increase it during the first stage of the ceasefire. During the first phase, which lasts six weeks, 33 Israeli hostages are to be freed in exchange for the release of 737 Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to achieving all war objectives, including the return of all hostages held by Hamas.