The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that a “deal to release the hostages” has been reached after extensive negotiations involving multiple parties.
Netanyahu initially delayed a cabinet vote scheduled for Thursday to approve a Gaza ceasefire deal, accusing Hamas of attempting last-minute changes.
However, his office announced on Friday morning that Netanyahu had been informed by the negotiating team of a final agreement.
He has instructed the political-security cabinet to meet later on Friday, after which the government “will then convene to approve the deal.” Families of the hostages have also been notified of the development.
The deal was formally signed in Doha by representatives from Israel, Hamas, the United States, and Qatar, according to Israeli media reports.
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Mediators, including the United States and Qatar, had announced the ceasefire deal on Wednesday. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani stated that the agreement was set to take effect on Sunday, subject to Israeli cabinet approval.
While Netanyahu acknowledged the mediators’ role, particularly President Biden’s efforts in “promoting” the agreement, he delayed the cabinet vote, accusing Hamas of attempting to “extort last-minute concessions.”
Hamas, on the other hand, maintained its commitment to the deal but sought to include additional Palestinian prisoners in the exchange list.
Although Israeli negotiators have endorsed the agreement, its implementation hinges on the approval of the political-security cabinet and the government. Reports of the deal have sparked celebrations among some Palestinians and families of the Israeli hostages.
Despite the announcement, violence has persisted on the ground in Gaza. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, Israeli strikes have killed over 80 people since the deal was publicised.
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