Reports from Israeli government or international news agencies

Israel Approves Ceasefire with Hamas; Hostage Release to Begin Sunday at 4 p.m.

Jan 17, 2025, 10:05 AM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that a deal has been reached with Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages. The Israeli security cabinet convened on Friday and approved the agreement, with ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir opposing. The security cabinet recommended the deal for full government approval. The full government is expected to meet today at 3:30 p.m. local time to vote on the agreement. Pending final approval, the release of hostages is anticipated to begin on Sunday, January 19, at 4:00 p.m. local time. The ceasefire aims to pause 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.