Netanyahu Confirms Agreement Reached for Release of Gaza Hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that a cease-fire deal has been reached by Israeli and Hamas officials, which includes the release of hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu has instructed his security cabinet to convene later on Friday to discuss the deal.
Netanyahu’s negotiating team informed him about the agreement on Friday, according to a statement from his office. The government is expected to approve the deal after the cabinet meeting.
Netanyahu has also directed a special task force to coordinate preparations for receiving the hostages upon their return to Israel. Families of the hostages have been notified about the agreement with Hamas.
His office stated, “The State of Israel is committed to achieving all of the objectives of the war including the return of all of our hostages, the living and the deceased.”
The Israeli Cabinet was originally set to meet on Jan. 16 to ratify the deal but was delayed due to last-minute issues from Hamas. Netanyahu’s office stated on Thursday that Hamas reneged on parts of the agreement, prompting delays.
Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri denied Netanyahu’s claims and urged the U.S. government to ensure that Israel implements the cease-fire agreement.
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The agreement involves a three-phase cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Netanyahu expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump for their assistance in the hostages’ release. Plans for a meeting between Netanyahu and Trump in Washington to discuss the Gaza conflict are in progress.
“The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to returning all hostages and praised the US President-elect for promising to collaborate with Israel to prevent terrorism in Gaza,” the office stated.
The cease-fire, effective from Sunday, will facilitate humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. The initial phase will involve the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel will also pull back its armed forces from populated areas. Talks on the subsequent phases will occur later.
The U.S. Department of Defense mentioned that some parts of the deal are sensitive and both Israel and Hamas have agreed to maintain open communication for building trust. Hamas is obligated to cease rocket attacks on Israel during the cease-fire.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin said, “Israelis and Palestinians can progress toward peaceful coexistence with leadership and wisdom, ensuring mutual security and dignity in two sovereign states.”
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized that the success of the cease-fire depends on Israel and Hamas acting in good faith to avoid any collapse in the agreement.
The IDF initiated military operations in Gaza following attacks by Hamas terrorists on southern Israel in October 7, 2023, resulting in casualties and hostages. Hamas reported civilian deaths in Gaza due to Israeli ground operations. The IDF countered that Hamas used civilians as shields in combat zones.
Chris Summers and Dan M. Berger contributed to this report.
