Israel approves ceasefire agreement with Hamas after hours of debate

The Israeli government has approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, which includes the release of hostages held in Gaza.

The decision was finalized on January 18 at 1 a.m. following over seven hours of intense debate.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed the decision, Caliber.Az reports citing international media outlets.

The Cabinet meeting, initially scheduled for 15:30, began at approximately 18:30. After extensive discussions, the 33-member ministerial group approved the agreement, with 24 ministers voting in favour and eight opposing. Those opposing included members of the religious Zionist Otzma Yehudit party and Likud ministers David Amsalem and Amichai Chikli.

Haredi ministers, unable to attend the entire meeting due to Shabbat observance, left written statements supporting the deal.

"The government approved the framework for the return of hostages," stated the Prime Minister's Office. "This framework will come into effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025."

The deal will take effect on Sunday, January 19, after a 24-hour window allowing opponents to appeal to Israel's Supreme Court. While appeals from Israelis opposing the release of Palestinian prisoners are expected, they are not anticipated to prevent the agreement's implementation.

The first phase of the deal includes the release of three hostages from Gaza. It marks a significant pause in conflict for Palestinians in Gaza, ending over a year of warfare and facilitating the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured the Cabinet that US President-elect Donald Trump supports Israel's right to resume hostilities if Hamas breaches the agreement before subsequent phases commence. Netanyahu also confirmed that Trump plans to unfreeze arms shipments that were previously halted by outgoing US President Joe Biden.

By Tamilla Hasanova