Israeli regime approves ceasefire, prisoner deal

After a late-night cabinet meeting, the Israeli regime has officially approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, following two years of genocidal war on Gaza.

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Friday morning confirmed that the regime has approved the US-proposed deal, paving the way for the Gaza ceasefire to officially enter into force.

The agreement calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza within 24 hours, followed by a comprehensive exchange of hostages between the two sides.

Before the Israeli cabinet meeting, Netanyahu held discussions with US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, who also participated in the cabinet meeting.

However, the regime’s ceasefire vote was not unanimous, as far-right ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, along with Knesset members from their parties, opposed it.

At this moment, Israeli attacks on Gaza are expected to stop, with Israeli forces’ withdrawal from Gaza to commence imminently.

In the hours leading up to the Israeli Cabinet’s vote, Israeli strikes continued. Explosions were seen Thursday in northern Gaza, and a strike on a building in Gaza City killed at least two people and left more than 40 trapped under rubble, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense.

The ceasefire agreement outlines a series of immediate actions. The withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the reopening of the Rafah crossing, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region.

A significant aspect of the ceasefire is a prisoner exchange, which involves the release of 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained following the start of the war on October 7, 2023.

The Israeli cabinet's announcement follows a 20-point ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which includes the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the establishment of a new governing body in Gaza that excludes Hamas.

This plan also envisions a security force made up of Palestinians and troops from Arab and Islamic nations, emphasizing the need for reconstruction and stability in the strip.

Hamas leader: 'US, mediators guaranteed end of war'

Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya has announced the initiation of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Since October 2023, Israeli forces have killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, over 80 percent of whom are believed to be civilians, according to leaked data from the Israeli military.

The assault also caused widespread famine and led to the destruction or damage of nearly every standing structure in Gaza - including homes, hospitals, schools, mosques, and churches.

Numerous international bodies, UN experts, and countries have classified Israel’s actions in Gaza as acts of genocide against the Palestinian people.

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