After months of negotiations and last-minute hurdles, Israel and Hamas have finally agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Friday that an agreement had been reached, paving the way for the release of hostages held in Gaza.
Rought Road To Ceasefire
But the road to this deal wasn’t smooth.
Netanyahu had initially delayed the cabinet vote, accusing Hamas of pushing for last-minute changes.
Reports suggest Hamas sought to expand the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for the hostages.
Ceasefire To Be Approved By War Cabinet
The Israeli security cabinet is expected to approve the agreement, with full government approval to follow.
Israeli Ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich have threatened to resign but won’t bring down the government—at least for now.
The deal was brokered by the U.S. and Qatar and is set to take effect on Sunday, with the first three Israeli hostages expected to be released that day.
