Netanyahu's office confirms deal on Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange Cabinet Vote Pending

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the signing of a high-stakes agreement involving Israel, Hamas, the United States, and Qatar, aimed at implementing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and securing the release of hostages.

The announcement was made after months of intense negotiations mediated by key international players, Caliber.Az reports.

The deal includes provisions for a phased release of hostages held by Hamas, along with a commitment to cease hostilities in the war-torn Gaza Strip. However, implementation has hit initial delays, with the first group of hostages now scheduled for release on January 20 instead of earlier plans. Disagreements over the list of Palestinian prisoners to be exchanged have been cited as the primary reason for the delay. Hamas has insisted on including its military leaders currently serving life sentences for terrorism-related charges, which has complicated negotiations.

The Jerusalem Post reported that Netanyahu has called for an Israeli security cabinet meeting on January 18, followed by a full cabinet meeting, to formally approve the agreement. The Israeli Prime Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring national security while pursuing a humanitarian resolution to the hostage crisis.

The agreement was formally signed in Doha on January 16, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough. According to the Axios news portal, the negotiations were led by several key figures, including US President-elect Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Stephen Whitkoff, and White House Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk, who officially signed the deal on behalf of the United States. Mediators from Qatar and Egypt played instrumental roles in facilitating the discussions.

The delay in the cabinet vote has drawn criticism from some political factions in Israel, who argue that immediate action is required to address the humanitarian concerns of families awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.

The deal also outlines a broader framework for reducing tensions in the Gaza Strip, aiming to alleviate the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by years of conflict. While the details of the ceasefire mechanism remain under wraps, it is expected to include measures to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid and allow international monitoring of the truce.

This agreement marks a rare instance of cooperation among longstanding adversaries, driven by mounting pressure to address the deteriorating situation in Gaza. Analysts, however, caution that the success of the deal depends on the commitment of all parties to uphold its terms, particularly amid deep-seated mistrust and regional instability.

The agreement is seen as a diplomatic win for mediating countries like Qatar, which has long served as an intermediary between Israel and Hamas. It also highlights the role of the incoming US administration in shaping Middle East policy, signalling continuity in engagement despite the leadership transition in Washington.

As of now, the focus has shifted to the Israeli cabinet’s upcoming decision and the operationalization of the agreement, which could set a precedent for future diplomatic efforts in the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova