Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Gaza Ceasefire And Hostage Deal

17 Jan 2025 by Molly Bohannon · Forbes

Topline

Israel's security cabinet voted to approve a ceasefire deal to end fighting in Gaza, which could lead to the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas on Sunday if the plan is approved by Israel's full cabinet later Friday.

Key Facts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that the security cabinet has recommended the government approve the ceasefire deal because it "supports achieving war objectives."

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continued overnight into Friday and 113 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire and hostage deal was first announced Wednesday evening, according to the Hamas-run Civil Emergency Service.

Hamas on Friday said that obstacles surrounding the terms of the agreement— like Netanyahu’s claims Hamas had backed out of parts of the deal—have been resolved.

If approved by the full cabinet Friday, the three-stage ceasefire plan will see Hamas release 33 Israeli hostages, including all women, children and men over 50, and Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails within the first six-week phase.

The deal could also ease hostilities in the Middle East, where the war has spread to include Iran and its proxies, including Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthis.

What Do We Know About The Ceasefire Deal?

On Wednesday evening, U.S. officials confirmed to the Associated Press that the ceasefire agreement has been reached after a last-minute dispute was resolved. Qatar’s prime minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said the first phase of the deal will take 42 days and it involves Israeli forces moving away from populated areas and 33 hostages being returned from Gaza. President Joe Biden said in a press conference Wednesday afternoon that American hostages would be released during the first phase. In a statement, released just before 2 p.m. EST, Biden said the deal will “halt the fighting in Gaza (and) surge much needed-humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians,” and he said the agreement was the result of extreme pressure on Hamas and “dogged and painstaking American diplomacy.” Biden said the plan is similar to the one he introduced last May, and he is “deeply satisfied this day has” come, noting there was no way for this war to end other than with a hostage deal. Biden also acknowledged the “hell” Palestinians have gone through, saying, “too many innocent people have died, too many communities have been destroyed.”

Crucial Quote

“WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!” Trump posted on Truth Social just after noon on Wednesday, confirming the deal. Members of Trump’s team have been involved in talks, including his incoming Middle East advisor Steve Witkoff.

Was Trump Involved In The Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal?

Trump’s team had been working alongside Biden’s administration in its final push for a ceasefire, and members of Trump’s team were reportedly involved in talks, including his incoming Middle East advisor Steve Witkoff. The president-elect said on Truth Social Wednesday his national security team, via Witkoff, “will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven.” Trump said in the post the agreement “could have only happened as a result of” him winning office in November, saying it “signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies.” In his press conference Wednesday, Biden said that while his administration negotiated the terms of the ceasefire, it will be up to the Trump administration to ensure it’s implemented, saying they’re handing “the next team a real opportunity for a brighter future in the Middle East” and he hopes they take it. Biden added he directed his team to “coordinate closely” with Trump’s incoming administration to ensure “they’re all speaking with the same voice.” One diplomat told The Washington Post Trump’s influence put added pressure on Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement, noting it was “the first time there has been real pressure on the Israeli side to accept a deal.”

Surprising Fact

When Biden was leaving his press conference, a reporter asked whether he or Trump should get credit for the deal, to which he said: “Is that a joke?” before leaving.

Key Background

Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 1,000 people and taking about 240 people hostage, prompting a massive Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. The two sides have been in a nearly-constant war since then. There was a brief pause in fighting in November 2023 when Hamas and Israel agreed on a temporary ceasefire in which about 100 hostages were released, but they have not been able to agree to terms of another ceasefire in the last year. Since the Oct. 7 attack, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and a report by a United Nations-created commission accused both Israel and Hamas of committing war crimes and violating international law. As the war has gone on, Israel has also faced mounting criticisms from other countries, including the U.S., for not allowing enough aid into the Gaza Strip and for not taking adequate measures to avoid harming civilians.

Big Number

98. That’s how many hostages officials believe remain in Gaza, and about 60 are expected to still be alive, The Washington Post reported.

When Does The Ceasefire Take Effect?

The first phase of the ceasefire will begin on Sunday, Jan. 19, the New York Times reported, citing Qatar’s prime minister. Biden said as part of the first phase, negotiations will continue as to what the future of Gaza will look like—but he clarified the ceasefire will stand past the 42-day period even if negotiations aren’t finalized, as long as they continue.