Israel government approves ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas
Israel Approves Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal with Hamas
The Israeli government has approved a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas. The decision was made by a cabinet vote of 24-8 and will take effect on Sunday. This agreement marks the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza and includes the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
The deal was approved early Saturday, and opponents can petition the High Court of Justice against the release of Palestinian security prisoners, though intervention is unlikely. The Israeli security cabinet had previously approved the deal and recommended its adoption by the government.
Families of 33 Israeli hostages were informed of their expected release in the first phase. Israel will receive a status report on these hostages seven days into the ceasefire. The order of release is unknown, but identities will be provided 24 hours before each release.
Beyond the initial 33 hostages, 65 more are held in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 36 confirmed dead. Talks will continue to focus on releasing remaining hostages, ending the war, and Gaza's reconstruction.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced pressure from far-right coalition allies not to end the fighting. Families of the remaining hostages fear the second phase may not occur, leaving their loved ones in captivity.
The deal was signed in Doha after US and Qatar mediation. The agreement aims to end the 15-month war in Gaza, which began after Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 civilians and taking over 250 hostages. Israel's counter-attack targeted Hamas in Gaza but faced criticism for high civilian casualties. The Gaza health ministry reports over 45,000 deaths, half of whom are women and children.
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Israel
Israel is a country in the Middle East, located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its historical and religious significance.
Ceasefire
A ceasefire is an agreement between two groups to stop fighting for a certain period of time. It is like a pause in a war or conflict.
Hostage
A hostage is a person who is captured and held by someone, usually to force others to do something in exchange for their release.
Hamas
Hamas is a Palestinian group that governs the Gaza Strip. It is involved in conflicts with Israel and is considered a terrorist organization by some countries.
Cabinet vote
A cabinet vote is when the leaders of a government, called the cabinet, make a decision by voting. In this case, they voted on the ceasefire and hostage release deal.
Gaza
Gaza is a small region on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is part of the Palestinian territories and has been a site of conflict between Israel and Palestinians.
US and Qatar
The US, or United States, is a country in North America. Qatar is a small country in the Middle East. Both helped mediate, or negotiate, the deal between Israel and Hamas.
15-month war
The 15-month war refers to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has lasted for over a year.
Civilian casualties
Civilian casualties are people who are not soldiers but are harmed or killed during a conflict or war. High civilian casualties mean many non-soldiers have been affected.
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