Israel Approves Ceasefire Deal, 24-Hour Truce Expected Following Government Consent

The Israeli security cabinet is scheduled to meet in Jerusalem, with a subsequent government session set to finalize a ceasefire agreement. Once officially approved, the ceasefire is expected to take effect within 24 hours, according to statements from an Israeli government spokesperson.

Following the implementation of the ceasefire, a 72-hour period will commence for the release of hostages. Reports indicate that out of 48 hostages, approximately 20 are believed to be alive. The agreement also outlines the release of a significant number of Palestinian detainees: 250 individuals serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained since the events of October 7. The timeline for these releases remains uncertain. Notably, Palestinian political figure Marwan Barghouti will not be included in this exchange, despite previous demands by Hamas for his release as a condition for freeing all hostages in Gaza.

According to government sources, after the hostages are released, Israeli forces are expected to maintain control over 53 percent of the Gaza Strip. This detail forms part of a broader framework for the first phase of the peace plan.

Images from Thursday morning show smoke rising over Gaza following ongoing Israeli military operations. Despite the pending ceasefire, reports from Gaza's civil defense indicate that military actions continued throughout the day.

The ceasefire initiative has garnered international attention and support. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the agreement, urging all parties to adhere fully to its terms. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has expressed the EU's commitment to supporting the implementation of the ceasefire and the initial phase of the peace plan in Gaza, emphasizing the diplomatic significance of this development and its potential to end the ongoing conflict and secure the release of all hostages.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the impending ceasefire as a source of significant relief and commended the diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, as well as the support from other regional partners, in facilitating this critical step towards peace.

On the ground, both Israeli and Palestinian communities have responded to the announcement with public gatherings and expressions of relief. International leaders continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum towards a sustainable and comprehensive peace agreement.

The ceasefire and associated agreements are considered part of a multi-phase peace plan, initially revealed by the United States. The plan aims to de-escalate hostilities, secure the release of hostages, and establish conditions for longer-term negotiations addressing the broader conflict. Details regarding the subsequent phases of the peace plan and the full scope of detainee releases are expected to become clearer following the implementation of the first stage.

As developments unfold, international organizations and diplomatic actors have reiterated calls for restraint and compliance with the terms outlined in the agreement, highlighting the humanitarian imperative to facilitate the safe return of hostages and provide relief to affected civilian populations in the region.