Agreement Approved for a Ceasefire in Gaza

The security cabinet of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already given its approval to the agreement reached with Hamas, which includes a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. This agreement is set to take effect this Sunday, as confirmed by the Prime Minister’s office early Saturday morning.

“The hostage release plan will take effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025,” stated an official communiqué issued by the Prime Minister’s office.

Despite the start of Shabbat, the ministerial council meeting began on Friday evening at the initiative of Benjamin Netanyahu. Following the security cabinet’s approval earlier in the day, the final adoption by the ministerial council seemed certain, despite opposition from some far-right ministers within the government.

Meanwhile, although Qatar and the United States announced the conclusion of this agreement after more than 15 months of conflict, tensions remain high. The Israeli army has continued its airstrikes on Palestinian territory, resulting in over 100 deaths since Wednesday, according to local rescue services.