On Friday, January 17, Israel’s security cabinet approved a significant ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas, offering a potential end to the year-long conflict.
The agreement could pave the way for the war to end by Sunday, with Israel preparing for the release of hostages under the deal.
While the deal was announced on Wednesday evening, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continued overnight into Friday, with the Hamas-run civil defense agency reporting that 113 Palestinians had been killed since the ceasefire and hostage deal’s announcement.
The security cabinet convened early on Friday morning to review the details of the agreement. Israeli officials involved in the negotiations in Qatar provided updates, leading to an expedited vote.
The broader cabinet, initially scheduled to vote on Saturday, moved the decision up to Friday afternoon.
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Meanwhile, preparations were underway to accommodate the hostages set to be released under the deal.
At Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv, a special private ward was being set up with comfort and privacy in mind, including a special menu and barriers for confidentiality.
Sheba Hospital also arranged for specialized staff, fresh clothing, and toiletries to assist the returning hostages, who will arrive by helicopter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that, subject to final approvals, the implementation of the hostages’ release and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners could begin as soon as Sunday.
The plan’s first phase, which will last 42 days, includes halting hostilities and the exchange of 33 hostages in Gaza for up to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
