JERUSALEM/CAIRO, Jan 17, 2025 — On Friday, the Israeli security cabinet sanctioned a ceasefire deal with Hamas, paving the way for hostages to be freed from Gaza and potentially concluding the 15-month conflict that has inflicted significant destruction and loss of life in the area.

This agreement requires ratification by the entire Israeli cabinet, which gathered on Friday afternoon.

Should it be fully implemented, the ceasefire could enable the return of the initial group of hostages on Sunday and offer a respite from ongoing hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

Ceasefire Terms
The first six-week phase of the three-stage agreement sees Hamas agreeing to release 33 Israeli hostages, with priority given to women, children, and men over 50.

In return, Israel will free Palestinian detainees, including women and minors under 19.

The total number of Palestinian prisoners to be released, anticipated to be between 990 and 1,650, will depend on the number of hostages released by Hamas in the first phase.

The Israeli Justice Ministry has published a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners scheduled for release on Sunday.

The agreement's mediation was assisted by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, each playing crucial roles in negotiating the terms.

Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Impact
Despite the ceasefire deal, intense Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza on Friday, with local emergency services confirming 116 Palestinian deaths, including 60 women and children, since the agreement's announcement.

Gaza has endured extensive devastation during the conflict, with local authorities reporting over 46,000 deaths and widespread displacement among its 2.3 million residents.

In southern Gaza, airstrikes hit areas where displaced individuals are sheltered, causing more casualties.

Among the impacted, displaced residents expressed hope that the ceasefire would improve dire living situations.

'Life has become an unbearable hell,' said Jomaa Abed al-Aal, a Gaza resident.

The World Health Organization noted that the ceasefire could improve humanitarian aid access, possibly increasing deliveries to 600 trucks per day to address urgent needs.

Opposition and Challenges
Some hardline members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition have opposed the ceasefire.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have expressed dissent, with Ben-Gvir threatening resignation over the agreement.

Despite these objections, Netanyahu confirmed that accords are in place to release hostages and start the truce.

Background and Implications
The conflict intensified after an October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the abduction of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.

Since then, the situation has attracted international focus and heightened regional tensions, involving Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, and other Iran-aligned groups.

The agreement also outlines steps for a phased Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza and enhanced humanitarian aid access.

Though the ceasefire presents a chance for de-escalation, substantial challenges persist, including opposition within Israel's government and the ongoing need for international mediation to ensure compliance with the agreement’s terms.

Currently, Israel estimates 98 hostages remain in Gaza, with roughly half presumed to be alive.

Preparations are underway to verify the identities of those set for release in the agreement's initial phase.

The situation remains dynamic, with further updates expected in the days ahead.