The Israeli security cabinet approved a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal on January 17th, recommending that the wider government give it the final approval, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said, according to The New Arab via Reuters.
The office said in a statement: “After reviewing all the political, security and humanitarian aspects, and understanding that the proposed deal supports achieving the objectives of the war, (the security cabinet) has recommended that the government approve the proposed framework.” The full cabinet would recommence on January 17th in order to decide on the deal.
Israeli warplanes have maintained harsh strikes in Gaza and Palestinian authorities said on January 16th that at least 86 people were consequently killed on the day after the truce was announced.
The ceasefire agreement of January 15th, was reached following mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the US. A six-week preliminary ceasefire and a gradual removal of Israeli forces is outlined in the deal. Dozens of Israeli captives of Hamas which includes women, children, the elderly and people who are sick would be released in return of hundreds of palestinian prisoners who have been kept in Israel.
READ: Israeli cabinet will meet to approve Gaza ceasefire deal
Israel will free all Palestinian women and children under 19, detained in Israeli prisons by the end of the first six-week phase of the three-stage deal, according to Reuters. The total amount of Palestinians freed depends on the hostages freed and could be anywhere ranging from 990 to 1,650 Palestinians. This includes men, women and children.
On January 17th, the Israeli justice minister released a list consisting of 95 Palestinian prisoners to be released during the initial exchange on January 19th.
In a statement, Hamas said that the hurdles that came about in relation to the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement have been dealt with.
Netanyahu’s office said: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed by the negotiating team that agreements have been reached on a deal to release the hostages.”
The New Arab via Reuters
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