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Israel-Hamas truce: government meeting underway to approve agreement after security cabinet go-ahead

The Netanyahu-led government is in session to approve the ceasefire and hostage release agreement reached with Hamas. Truce expected to begin Sunday at 12:15 p.m

The Israeli government is close to final approval of the truce agreement with Hamas, after the security cabinet has already given its consent. Mediation by the United States and Qatar has led to an understanding that provides for a temporary ceasefire and a humanitarian exchange: the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of numerous Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Under the agreement, Hamas will gradually release 33 hostages, including women and children, while Israel will release more than 1,700 Palestinian prisoners. These include some 700 convicted of serious crimes, including 250-300 life prisoners, and 1,000 Gazans captured during the ongoing conflict. The release of the hostages will be staggered, with the first group expected in the days immediately following the entry into force of the truce.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised the importance of the agreement, while stating that the Israeli army will resume military operations with US support if Hamas fails to comply with the conditions. However, the understanding has raised controversy within the government. The Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, and the Minister of Finance, Bezalel Smotrich, opposed it, expressing concerns about the security of the country.

The signing of the agreement took place in Doha and represents a significant development in a conflict that has caused heavy human losses and devastation. According to analysts, although the understanding may represent a step towards a possible de-escalation, it will be crucial for the parties to honour their commitments to avoid an immediate return to hostilities.

The ceasefire, according to sources, is expected to come into effect on Sunday, with the first release of hostages expected in the afternoon. The duration of the ceasefire and the future of the negotiations will depend on the parties’ ability to keep to the agreed terms and the regional political environment.

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