The Israeli government approved a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Gaza late Friday, following an hours-long Cabinet meeting, as reported by the Israeli public broadcaster KAN. The agreement, mediated by Qatar, seeks to end over 15 months of intense conflict that has devastated the Gaza Strip. According to Israeli legal procedures, the Supreme Court must now open a brief period for Israeli citizens to submit objections to the release of Palestinian prisoners included in the deal. This step is necessary before the agreement can be fully implemented. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the structured timeline of the agreement during the Cabinet meeting. The first phase of the ceasefire is set to begin on Sunday and will last for 42 days. During this phase, military operations will be temporarily halted, and Israeli forces will withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza. The agreement also includes a gradual reduction of the Israeli military presence at the Rafah border crossing, with plans to open the crossing seven days into the ceasefire. This will allow 600 humanitarian aid trucks to enter Gaza daily, addressing urgent humanitarian needs. The agreement further includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, in exchange for 1,977 Palestinian prisoners. However, Palestinian sources, including Qadoura Fares, head of the Palestinian Prisoner's Society, suggested the number of detainees might be closer to 1,737. The second phase of the agreement focuses on establishing sustained peace. It includes further exchanges of prisoners and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The final phase centers on reconstruction efforts, spanning three to five years, and the opening of all border crossings to facilitate the free movement of goods and people. The ceasefire follows a period of devastating violence in Gaza, which local health authorities report has resulted in nearly 46,900 Palestinian deaths—predominantly women and children—and over 110,600 injuries. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the conflict. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice. — Agencies
