Netanyahu announces breakthrough ceasefire with Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the achievement of an agreement with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. The decision awaits approval by the Israeli cabinet.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that an agreement has been reached with the Palestinian group Hamas concerning the release of hostages and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This agreement is set to be approved by the Israeli cabinet later the same day.
Representatives from Israel, Hamas, the USA, and Qatar signed the agreement in the Qatari capital, Doha. The families of the hostages are being updated about the progress. Qatar's Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, stated that the agreement will be implemented on Sunday, provided it is approved by the Israeli cabinet.
Netanyahu emphasized that the final details of the agreement are still being negotiated. On Thursday, he postponed a cabinet meeting, accusing Hamas of attempting to force "last-minute concessions." Hamas declared compliance with the agreement, although it tried to add some of its members to the list of released Palestinian prisoners.
The agreement stipulates that within six weeks of the first phase, Israeli troops will gradually leave the Gaza Strip. During this time, Hamas will gradually release hostages. Israel also announced the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Despite the negotiated ceasefire agreement, on Thursday, Israeli air forces attacked targets in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 86 people.
Escalation of the conflict
The Hamas attack on Israel began on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, with 251 abducted. Israel's retaliation led to the deaths of over 46,000 people, mostly civilians.
Hamas has released some prisoners. According to official information, they are holding 94 people, although according to Israel, 34 of them are deceased.
