Israel greenlights deal with Hamas: What to expect next
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: Getty Images)
The Israeli government has approved an agreement for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The Palestinians have committed to freeing all hostages within three days, according to The Times of Israel.
Under the agreement, the Israeli army will reposition its forces within the Gaza Strip while maintaining control over approximately 53% of the enclave’s territory.
Subsequently, within 72 hours, Hamas will release all 48 Israeli hostages currently held by the group.
The release of hostages, in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners convicted of security-related offenses, along with the partial redeployment of IDF forces, represents the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.
Most cabinet ministers voted in favor of the agreement, including Minister Ofir Sofer from the Religious Zionism party of the radical Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, while the rest of the party’s ministers opposed it.
The document was also not supported by all representatives of the ultranationalist Otzma Yehudit party.
Peace agreement between Israel and Hamas
A few days ago, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas began in Cairo, mediated by representatives from Egypt, the US, and Qatar.
On October 9, US President Donald Trump announced that agreements had been reached between Israel and Hamas to implement the peace plan he had presented the previous week.
The American president also announced the date for the start of the hostage release.
