Reports from international news agencies and official statements from the Israeli and Hamas governments

Israel Approves Six-Week Ceasefire; Hostage Exchange of 33 for 1,904 Starts Sunday

Jan 18, 2025, 07:29 AM

Israel's government has approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, set to begin at 6:30 am GMT on Sunday and last for six weeks. The agreement, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of 1,904 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, including women and young men up to 25 years old. The Israeli cabinet voted in favor of the agreement after lengthy deliberations, with 24 ministers supporting and 8 opposing. The Israel Defense Forces announced preparations to implement the agreement, with the first hostages expected to be released after 4 pm on Sunday. The exchange will take place over the first phase of the agreement, with further details to be announced upon completion.