Sat Jan 18 01:22:00 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Ceasefire Agreed, Hostage Release to Begin Sunday

**JERUSALEM/GAZA CITY –** A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, ending the deadliest war in the territory’s history, is set to begin Sunday, following a cabinet vote in Israel. The deal includes the release of hostages held by Hamas since their October 7th attack on Israel in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Israel’s cabinet approved the agreement on Saturday, despite opposition from some far-right ministers. The Justice Ministry released a list of 95 Palestinians, including women and minors, slated for release, pending final government approval. The release of hostages and prisoners will occur in phases. Sources indicate three Israeli women (possibly civilians) will be among the first released.

The ceasefire follows weeks of intense negotiations mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt. Both outgoing President Biden and incoming President Trump claimed a role in brokering the deal, with Trump asserting the agreement wouldn’t have happened without US involvement.

While celebrations erupted in Israel, anguish remains over hostages still held in Gaza. The fate of the Bibas family, including two young boys, remains uncertain, despite Hamas previously claiming their deaths.

The Israeli military, while acknowledging the ceasefire, continued airstrikes in Gaza even before the official start of the truce, resulting in significant further casualties. Hamas warned these strikes jeopardized the hostages’ lives. The conflict has already resulted in staggering losses: over 46,000 deaths in Gaza (according to Hamas figures deemed reliable by the UN) and 1,210 in Israel, mostly civilians.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced the Palestinian Authority’s readiness to assume full responsibility in Gaza post-conflict, as displaced Gazans begin returning to their homes. However, humanitarian workers express grave concerns about the immense challenges ahead, facing widespread destruction and displacement.

The agreement calls for an initial 42-day ceasefire, with the possibility of a permanent end to the conflict in a subsequent phase. A joint operations room in Cairo will oversee the truce’s implementation, ensuring coordination and compliance. The UN Security Council is expected to issue a resolution to solidify the agreement.

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