Israel approves Gaza ceasefire deal

ISTANBUL

The Israeli government approved a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal in the Gaza Strip late Friday during an hours-long Cabinet meeting, the Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported.

According to Israel’s legal procedures, one step remains before the agreement takes effect: the Supreme Court will open a brief window for Israeli citizens to file objections to the release of Palestinian prisoners included in the deal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted during the meeting that the agreement would include clear timelines, with the first phase commencing on Sunday and lasting 42 days, according to a statement by the prime minister's office.

The agreement outlines three phases in total, including a gradual exchange of prisoners and eventual reconstruction plans for Gaza.

Netanyahu also said the first phase involves a temporary halt to military operations and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of Gaza.

Additionally, Israel will gradually reduce its military presence at the Rafah border crossing. The agreement guarantees the opening of the Rafah crossing seven days into the ceasefire allowing 600 humanitarian aid trucks daily into Gaza.

Under the terms, 33 Israeli hostages, including both living individuals and bodies, will be released during the initial phase in exchange for 1,977 Palestinian prisoners, according to the daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

Palestinian sources, however, reported that the figure could be closer to 1,737 detainees, per Qadoura Fares, the head of the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society.

The second phase of the agreement is aimed at achieving sustained peace and includes further prisoner exchanges and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The third phase focuses on reconstruction efforts spanning three to five years and the opening of all border crossings to enable the free movement of goods and people.

Qatar announced the ceasefire agreement on Wednesday to end over 15 months of deadly Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.

Nearly 46,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children were killed and more than 110,600 injured in Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, according to local health authorities.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.