JERUSALEM/CAIRO, Jan 17, 2025 — On Friday, the Israeli security cabinet approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, paving the way for the release of hostages from Gaza and potentially concluding the 15-month conflict that has wrought significant destruction and loss of life in the region.

The agreement still requires approval from the full Israeli cabinet, which met on Friday afternoon.

If fully implemented, the ceasefire could allow the first group of hostages to return on Sunday and offer a break from ongoing hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

Ceasefire Terms
In the first six-week phase of the three-step agreement, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, focusing on women, children, and men over 50 years old.

In return, Israel will free Palestinian detainees, including women and those under 19.

The number of Palestinian prisoners to be released, anticipated to be between 990 and 1,650, will depend on the hostages Hamas releases during the initial phase.

The Israeli Justice Ministry has issued a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners scheduled for release on Sunday.

Qatar, Egypt, and the United States played key roles in mediating the agreement's terms.

Continuing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
Despite the ceasefire agreement, heavy Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza on Friday, with local emergency services reporting 116 Palestinian deaths, including 60 women and children, since the agreement's announcement.

Gaza has suffered significant devastation throughout the conflict, with local authorities reporting over 46,000 deaths and widespread displacement among its 2.3 million residents.

In southern Gaza, airstrikes targeted areas housing displaced individuals, leading to further casualties.

Displaced residents expressed hope that the ceasefire would improve their dire living conditions.

"Life has become an unbearable hell," said Jomaa Abed al-Aal, a Gaza resident.

The World Health Organization suggested that the ceasefire could increase humanitarian aid, potentially allowing deliveries of up to 600 trucks per day to meet the urgent needs of displaced populations.

Opposition and Challenges
Hardline members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition have opposed the ceasefire.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have voiced their dissent, with Ben-Gvir threatening to resign over the agreement.

Despite their objections, Netanyahu affirmed that agreements had been reached to release hostages and start the truce.

Background and Consequences
The conflict escalated following a Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, which led to 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages being taken, according to Israeli authorities.

Since then, the situation has drawn international attention and heightened regional tensions, involving Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, and other Iranian-aligned groups.

The agreement also includes plans for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and increased humanitarian aid access.

While the ceasefire offers a chance for de-escalation, significant challenges remain, such as opposition within the Israeli government and the necessity for continued international mediation to ensure compliance with the agreement’s terms.

Currently, Israel estimates that 98 hostages remain in Gaza, with about half believed to be alive.

Preparations are underway to verify the identities of those to be released in the first phase of the agreement.

The situation remains dynamic, with further developments expected in the coming days.